Elemental Diet for Chronic Pancreatitis

(PEACE-CP Trial)

This trial explores whether an elemental diet, a special liquid diet, suits people with chronic pancreatitis experiencing bothersome stomach issues. Made from easily absorbable ingredients, participants will follow this diet strictly for two weeks. The main goal is to determine if participants can adhere to the diet and consume most of the formula. It targets adults with chronic pancreatitis who have experienced significant stomach problems in the past month. Participants will track their symptoms and diet throughout the trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for patients to contribute to research that could enhance dietary management for chronic pancreatitis.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since active infection or recent antibiotic use is an exclusion criterion, it's possible that some medications might need to be paused. Please consult with the trial coordinators for specific guidance.

Research has shown that the palatable elemental diet is generally easy for people with digestive issues to handle. In studies, patients have experienced positive outcomes without serious side effects. For instance, one study found that this diet improved participants' quality of life due to its easy digestibility. Another study noted that all participants adhered to the diet plan, indicating it is manageable for most people.

Most treatments for chronic pancreatitis focus on managing pain and digestive issues with enzyme supplements and pain relievers. Unlike these standard therapies, the palatable elemental diet offers a more holistic approach by simplifying digestion to help the pancreas rest and heal. This diet consists of easily absorbable nutrients, potentially reducing inflammation and pain more quickly. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could offer a non-invasive alternative that targets the root of the problem rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Research has shown that elemental diets can help reduce pain for people with chronic pancreatitis. In one study, 88% of patients experienced less pain after following a low-fat elemental diet. Another study found that this diet could improve quality of life by easing gut symptoms. Elemental diets are effective because they contain easily digestible ingredients, which can be gentle on the stomach. They have also reduced symptoms like stomach pain and bloating by up to 82% in other digestive conditions. Participants in this trial will consume a palatable elemental diet exclusively for 14 days to evaluate its effects on chronic pancreatitis symptoms.²³⁴⁶⁷