Pancreatic elastase 1

Consider digestive support with betaine HCL. Consider pepsin, plant or pancreatic enzyme supplements, digestive herbs, bile salts, and taurine. Micronutrient evaluation recommended, especially for fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Pancreatic Elastase is an enzyme produced by exocrine tissue in the pancreas. Fecal pancreatic elastase is a non-invasive marker of exocrine pancreatic function. In the digestive tract, elastase is not broken down by other enzymes and is eventually eliminated from the body in the stool. Elastase can be detected and measured in the stool when a person's pancreas is functioning normally. The level in the stool is decreased when the exocrine tissues of the pancreas are not producing sufficient elastase and other digestive enzymes.

A Pancreatic Elastase-1 result in the orange range on the Vibrant Gut Zoomer suggests borderline pancreatic insufficiency and reduced digestive enzyme output.

What it means

Pancreatic elastase is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function, meaning how well your pancreas produces digestive enzymes.

Interpretation ranges (general clinical cutoffs):

• >200 mcg/g: Normal enzyme function

• 100–200 mcg/g (your range): Mild to moderate pancreatic enzyme insufficiency

• <100 mcg/g: Severe enzyme insufficiency

In the orange range, the pancreas may not be producing enough enzymes to fully digest food, particularly fats and proteins.

Possible symptoms

People in this range may experience:

• Bloating and gas

• Loose or greasy stools

• Malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies

• Abdominal discomfort after eating

Common causes

Borderline/low pancreatic elastase can be associated with:

• Small intestinal inflammation (IBD, celiac)

• Chronic digestive stress or SIBO

• Pancreatic stress or early stage pancreatic insufficiency

• Long-term poor gut function or dysbiosis

What to consider next

• Review GI symptoms and diet

• Assess for fat-soluble vitamin levels (A, D, E, K)

• Consider a trial of digestive enzyme support (under supervision)

• Repeat testing if symptoms are present

• Evaluate for underlying causes if clinically indicated

If results stay low or symptoms are significant, your clinician may consider further testing like fecal fat analysis or pancreatic imaging.