How much PERT should I take?
Some brands of enzymes have a number after the name, which shows the dose of enzymes in each capsule. For example, a capsule of Creon 25,000 contains 25,000 units and Nutrizym 22 contains 22,000 units. We have used these brands as an example, but you may be given a different brand.
There is no set dose of enzymes for each day. Take as many as you need. You might start with a dose of at least 50,000 or 75,000 units for a main meal, and 25,000 or 50,000 units for a snack or milky drink. For example, you might take two or three capsules containing 25,000 units with a main meal, and one or two capsules with a snack.
This may sound like a lot of enzymes, but it’s not as much as your pancreas would normally make. A healthy pancreas would normally make up to 720,000 units for a small meal.
Most people will need to increase the number of enzymes they take from the starting dose. Your dietitian, doctor or nurse can tell you how to work out the best dose of enzymes for you. They should review the dose regularly.
You will need to take more enzymes for larger meals and for fatty foods, as these need more enzymes to digest them. Don’t change what you eat to try to manage your symptoms as you may not get all the nutrients you need. Just make sure you take enough enzymes for what you are eating. For example, don’t try to reduce fat. Just take more enzymes if you are eating fatty foods. Speak to your doctor or dietitian before making any major changes to your diet.
It may take a few days to notice an effect when you first start to take PERT. For the first few weeks you take PERT, you may find it helpful to keep a food diary. Note down what you eat, the dose of enzymes you take, and if this makes your symptoms better. This can help you work out if you are taking enough enzymes with different foods.
Once problems with your digestion start to improve, you may start to eat more. So you may need more enzymes to digest your food.
