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What is Pancreatic Juice?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Pancreatic juice is a fluid secreted by the pancreas, an organ located in close proximity to the digestive tract with ducts draining into the small intestine. Like other organs associated with digestion, the pancreas plays a role in breaking down food so it can be metabolized by the body. Pancreatic juice is only one of the fluids secreted by this organ; the pancreas is also responsible for making insulin, as well as other hormones.

There are two components to pancreatic juice. The first is a solution of bicarbonate and water emitted by the epithelial cells that line the pancreatic ducts. This alkaline solution is designed to help neutralize stomach acid so that digestive enzymes can work more effectively. The other component is a grouping of enzymes designed to process carbohydrates, protein, and fats. In many cases, the pancreas actually releases precursors to these enzymes and the enzymes themselves develop in the intestinal tract in response to other compounds.

Pancreatic juice is secreted by the pancreas.
Pancreatic juice is secreted by the pancreas.

Pancreatic juice is released into the small intestine, where it acts on food as it moves through. As the food is metabolized, usable compounds are absorbed by the intestine, while waste products are allowed to move along the digestive tract, where they will eventually be expressed by the body. The digestive process is designed to be as efficient as possible although in people with medical problems involving the digestion, a tell-tale sign often involves breakdowns in metabolism.

The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion.
The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion.

The pancreas work in harmony with the duodenum. As fats, proteins, and other compounds are sensed by the duodenum, it releases hormones to trigger activity in the pancreas. These hormones can increase or decrease secretions and are designed to time releases of pancreatic juice, insulin, and other compounds to coincide with metabolic needs. If this process is interrupted, people may start to have trouble digesting certain foods.

Problems with the pancreas may be detected via ultrasound.
Problems with the pancreas may be detected via ultrasound.

In some individuals, pancreatic disease necessitates a removal of the pancreas for medical reasons. These people must make dietary adjustments and take medications to compensate for the lack of pancreatic juice, insulin, and other compounds produced in this organ. The medications have to be taken for life and patients must be alert to early signs of complications, indicating that their medications are not in balance or that they are not timing their doses properly. Doctors and nutritionists help patients who require pancreas removal to develop and periodically update a treatment plan to stay as healthy as possible.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Instion

Are there any natural treatments for those who no longer produce pancreatic juice? What are the dietary restrictions of those who have had their pancreases removed?

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    • Pancreatic juice is secreted by the pancreas.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Pancreatic juice is secreted by the pancreas.
    • The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion.
      By: pixdesign123
      The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion.
    • Problems with the pancreas may be detected via ultrasound.
      By: acherst
      Problems with the pancreas may be detected via ultrasound.
    • If the release of pancreatic juice is interrupted, people may have trouble digesting certain foods.
      By: 9nong
      If the release of pancreatic juice is interrupted, people may have trouble digesting certain foods.
    • Pancreatic juice is released into the small intestine, where it acts on digesting food.
      By: kaianni
      Pancreatic juice is released into the small intestine, where it acts on digesting food.
    • Pancreatic juice is released into the small intestine, where it acts on food as it moves through.
      By: graphicgeoff
      Pancreatic juice is released into the small intestine, where it acts on food as it moves through.