Which of the following is NOT an expected outcome of pancrelipase therapy?

• A. Reduction of steatorrhea
• B. Weight gain
• C. Relief of heartburn
• D. Improved nutritional status

Answer: (C)

Pancrelipase therapy provides the missing digestive enzymes needed when the pancreas can’t produce enough on its own, helping you digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates during meals. When enzymes are available with food, fat digestion improves, so steatorrhea decreases. This better digestion usually leads to weight gain and overall improved nutritional status because more nutrients are absorbed rather than lost in stool. Relief of heartburn, however, isn’t produced by enzyme replacement. Heartburn is typically related to acid reflux or irritation of the esophagus, not inadequate pancreatic enzymes, so pancrelipase wouldn’t be expected to alleviate that symptom. If heartburn persists, it should be evaluated and managed as a separate issue.