Pancreatic Enzymes: How They Digest Proteins, Fats & Carbs

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) to break down all three macronutrients:

Key Enzymes & Their Roles

• Trypsin & Chymotrypsin: Break proteins into peptides and amino acids.
• Pancreatic Amylase: Breaks carbohydrates (starches) into maltose, sucrose, and glucose.
• Pancreatic Lipase: With bile salts, breaks triglycerides into fatty acids and monoglycerides for absorption.

Clinical Relevance

Insufficient enzyme production (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) leads to malabsorption, steatorrhea, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies. Treatment involves pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) with meals.