Pancreatin is a mixture of digestive enzymes (including amylase, lipase, and protease) that are produced by the exocrine cells of the pancreas. It is used therapeutically to supplement pancreatic enzyme activity in individuals whose pancreas does not produce sufficient enzymes, a condition known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). EPI can occur due to chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, or after surgical removal of the pancreas. Numerous clinical studies and authoritative medical guidelines support the use of pancreatin (or its pharmaceutical forms, often called pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy or PERT) to manage symptoms such as malabsorption, steatorrhea (fatty stools), weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies in these patients.

Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses consistently show that pancreatin improves fat and protein absorption, reduces gastrointestinal symptoms, and enhances quality of life for patients with EPI. The American College of Gastroenterology and other professional societies recommend pancreatin as the standard of care for pancreatic insufficiency. However, in individuals with a healthy pancreas, there is no scientific evidence that pancreatin supplementation provides benefit. Its use is thus justified for specific pancreatic disorders, particularly those affecting the head or body of the pancreas leading to EPI, but not for general "support" of the pancreas in healthy people.