Vitamins for pancreatitis

Probably, no one needs to be convinced of the therapeutic role of vitamins, and vitamins for pancreatitis – a very serious disease of the pancreas – are also important for the treatment of inflammation of its tissues.

And, given the deficiency of pancreatic enzymes that occurs with this disease, which ensure the functioning of the entire digestive system, taking vitamins is considered mandatory by gastroenterologists for the chronic form of the disease.

What vitamins can you take for pancreatitis?

First of all, it is necessary to understand how destructive inflammation is for the secretory and epithelial cells of the pancreas, affecting both the parenchyma (in which the acinar tissue of the islets of Langerhans is replaced by fibrous tissue), and the excretory ducts, and the blood vessels that feed the organ. And how much the intake of nutrients into the body is limited when patients need to follow all the prescriptions of the diet for pancreatitis for a long time.

It should also be borne in mind that vitamins are not taken temporarily during an exacerbation of pancreatitis, since during such periods all measures are aimed at reducing the load on the pancreas and maximally preserving its secretory capabilities.

The main vitamins for chronic pancreatitis are: A, B1, B2, B3 (PP), B6, B7, B12, C, E, and vitamin K. As a rule, the same vitamins are recommended for pancreatitis in the elderly.

You can learn more about what foods are recommended by nutritionists for pancreatic diseases, as well as what fruits are best to eat for pancreatitis (and which should not be included in the diet).

Vitamin A for pancreatitis

Retinol – vitamin A – is an antioxidant, meaning that its intake (3300 IU per day) helps to improve the immune system function by stimulating the production of leukocytes and interferon, accelerate the regeneration of damaged cells, and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to spinach, carrots, broccoli, vitamin A is found in red meat and poultry.

Doctors warn that exceeding the doses of any vitamins is unacceptable, and that too much retinol can cause nausea, instability of blood pressure and headaches, increased body temperature with hyperhidrosis, as well as problems with blood clotting.

B vitamins for pancreatitis

Vitamins of this group are necessary to ensure the enzymatic function of the pancreas.

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is necessary for normal metabolism, as it is an active biochemical catalyst. Its daily dose for adults should not exceed 2.2 mg, otherwise sleep disorders, headaches and tachycardia are possible.

Niacin (vitamin B3, PP or nicotinic acid) has a vasodilatory effect and can activate blood circulation in the capillaries of the pancreas, which improves the trophism of its tissues and the reparation of secretory and epithelial cells. The permissible daily dose is 25 mg.

It is necessary to take for inflammation of the pancreas: pyridoxine (vitamin B6) - 1.5-2.5 mg per day - to increase the elasticity of the vascular walls and normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract; biotin (vitamin B7 or H) - to maintain lipid metabolism and the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids (45-50 mcg of this vitamin per day is enough); cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) - for normal levels of red blood cells in the blood and its hemostasis (the norm for an adult is 2.5 mcg).

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Vitamin C for pancreatitis

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect the pancreas from free radical damage. It is also an immune system booster that can increase resistance to viral and bacterial infections and prevent damage caused by them.

You need 100 IU of vitamin C per day, but consuming more than 200 IU can cause stomach upset, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Vitamin E for pancreatitis

Tocopherol – vitamin E – is also an antioxidant that can improve blood circulation in the organ and thus help restore damaged pancreatic cells. The optimal daily amount of this vitamin is 30 IU; in addition, eggs, sunflower oil, whole grain bread, hazelnuts and peanuts have a high content of it. But doctors do not recommend relying too much on tocopherol to avoid exacerbation of pancreatitis symptoms.

Vitamin K for pancreatitis

As is known, chronic pancreatitis is associated with a very high probability of developing a malignant tumor of the pancreas. So, as studies have shown,

Phylloquinone (vitamin K) is able to suppress the proliferation (growth) of atypical cancer cells, inhibit their differentiation and even induce apoptosis.

The optimal daily intake of this vitamin (in patients not prone to blood clots) is 50-70 mcg.

Vitamins for pancreatitis and gastritis

Vitamin A, in addition to the above qualities, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is advisable to use it in case of simultaneous inflammation of the pancreas and stomach.

You should be careful with vitamins C and B3 (PP), since vitamin C reduces blood clotting, and nicotinic acid can stimulate the production of gastric juice and contribute to an increase in its acidity, so if you have pancreatitis against the background of hyperacid gastritis, taking vitamin B3 is contraindicated.

Although vitamins for pancreatitis cannot replace medications and rid you of this disease, without certain vitamins it is much more difficult to improve the condition of the pancreas and maintain the functions of the digestive system.