You can find all of the pancreatitis supplements I use daily, here on this page. This way you don’t need to guess about what to buy or what I use. It’s all here in one spot. One stop shopping with free shipping available on qualified orders within the U.S. If you want to buy them at your own health store feel free to print this pancreatitis supplements page so you have the info.
IF I could only afford ONE of the pancreatitis supplemets I would choose Now Foods Grape Seed Extract 100mg Vcaps because grape seed extract is extremely anti-inflammatory, protects the pancreas from more damage, causes programmed cell death of cancer cells and this particular product formulation also contains 300 mgs of vitamin c in each cap. So it may not contain tons of vitamin c but it is grape seed extract and c together – 2 for one.
Pancreatitis Supplements
ALL of these pancreatitis supplements are important for various reasons the order in which the pancreatitis supplements are given means nothing in regards to importance. It is my humble opinion that grape seed extract and vitamin c are THE most important pancreatitis supplemets with curcumin and the enzymes tying for 2nd. The enzymes may prove very beneficial if you are not on an enzyme prescription such as creon.
1) Curcumin puts out the fire of inflammation and so helps control pain. Curcumin is a powerful pain reliever and one of the best pancreatitis supplements. It fights pancreas inflammation, check this research. Curcumin is also a very strong antioxidant which seems to inhibit cancer growth by actually causing cancer cells to die (according to some research). I use the Vcaps and I make sure I ingest plenty of black pepper during the day (in food) to help the absorption of the curcumin. There are those who will insist that you need to buy expensive curcumin in combo with Piperine but it seems to me that plain old black pepper works the same.
NOTE: IF you have gallstones or SOD you should probably avoid curcumin because it increases bile flow. Increasing bile flow could cause problems (passing gallstones, acute pancreatitis) you don’t want. The idea is to get well not sicker so if you have gallstones and/or SOD avoid curcumin.
Jarrow Formulas Curcumin 95, 500mg, 120 Capsules
2) Grape Seed Extract my personal favorite among pancreatitis supplements.
Grape seed extract is a very strong anti-inflammatory but it is also one of the most powerful antioxidants on earth and one of the few that will cross the blood-brain barrier. According to research grape seed extract causes cancer cells to die but more importantly grape seed extract helps relieve nausea and pain (at least they do for me) that we all know are two rotten symptoms of pancreatitis. Over time it helps heal the pancreas, at least it did mine but instead of simply taking me at my word read this second to the last sentence in a scholar type article: “supplementation of GSPE ameliorates chronic pancreatitis in humans.” The word ameliorates means “to make or become better, improve.” So get some and see if it works for you too. IF you can afford only ONE of the pancreatitis supplements this is the one I would personally choose because it also contains vitamin C (I use it myself daily).
NOW Foods Grape Seed Anti 100mg
3) Vitamin C is another antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and essential nutrient. Vitamin C can do so many things and it has done wonders for me, in combination with grape seed extract and curcumin. Those three pancreatitis supplements in combination are extremely powerful. In the latest news vitamin C has shown significant benefit to pancreatic cancer patients which makes it even more important in regards to prevention of pancreatic cancer in those who have chronic pancreatitis. Since chronic pancreatitis is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer my consumption of vitamin C seems to be even more potentially beneficial. This particular formula also contains bioflavonoids and rose hips.
NOW Foods Vitamin C-1000 W/ Rose Hips, 250 Tablets / 1000mg
4) Digestive Enzymes are important pancreatitis supplements simply because your pancreas produces digestive enzymes and the less your pancreas has to work the better. If your pancreas has sustained a large amount of damage it may not produce enough enzymes to digest your food and of course this makes an enzyme supplement mandatory. The enzymes I use contain pancreatin 4X which is Amylase, Lipase and Protease.
NOW Foods Super Enzymes, 180 Capsules
5) Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants are important pancreatitis supplements simply because with pancreatitis we can often suffer from malabsorption which simply means we do not absorb the nutrients in our food like we should. Extra vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may be very helpful in providing more energy and all-around better health. This formula may not be the best but it is very close. Most ingredients are natural vitamins/minerals from plant sources. A few are synthetic, which suck compared to the real thing. This formula also uses a much higher grade of B12 and B12 is important for making blood and except for one source of sea vegetation can only be gotten from animal products. That is why I use this formula. It’s gluten free and high quality.
Multiple Vitamins & Minerals – Fruit Antioxidant
Well, there you have them.
Those are the pancreatitis supplements and exact formulas I use every day.
You may wish to use different brands of pancreatitis supplements.
I use those listed because they are gluten free and it is difficult to find quality, gluten free supplements. I use them, I can vouch they work. The “they work” part is important. However …
IF you decide to use other brands of the pancreatitis supplements, that is perfectly cool. Make sure you do not buy grape seed, curcumin or vitamin C that is coupled with mineral or vitamins. You want those THREE supplements to be as pure as possible so that they are non-toxic in large doses. In other words you want quality, stand-alone grape seed extract and stand-alone curcumin. The vitamin C w/bioflavonoids and rose hips.
How I Take the Pancreatitis Supplements
I take the pancreatitis supplements in this manner: one capsule each of grape seed, curcumin and vit C in the morning when I get up, usually on an empty stomach and then have my coffee and a smoke lol.
The enzymes I take (usually two) only when I eat.
Sometimes another dose (one cap each) of grape seed, curcumin and vit C mid-day.
I take my last dose of grape seed, curcumin, vit C and the all One vitamin-mineral-antioxidant drink at night before bed. I only use HALF the dose on the label of the all One powder vitamin/mineral/antioxidant formula, one rounded teaspoon instead of a tablespoon because that is all that is needed to get a good dose of nutrients and that 2.2 pound can is good for 4 MONTHS! However …
When I started with the supplements years ago (when I was still quite sick) I took grape seed extract, curcumin and vit C 4 times per day; fairly large amounts of grape seed extract (200 milligrams), 4 times per day. The curcumin I was using at that time came in much smaller amounts so it comprised about 400 mgs total per day for curcumin at that time. And the vitamin C was about 5,000 milligrams per day. I’ve taken up to 10,000 mgs per day of vitamin C with no adverse effects but some folks get stomach cramps and diarrhea with large doses of vitamin C, similar to eating to much fruit or to many green apples. So start with small doses and work up to about 4,000 – 5,000 milligrams per day.
Three pancreatitis supplements (grape seed extract, curcumin and vitamin C) are non-toxic so you can take large amounts without fear of a lethal overdose however …
When you first start out you may experience some unpleasant effects due to the fact that those powerful pancreatitis supplements are purging your body of toxic waste so it may be prudent to start off with the minimum dose of once per day. Then add another dose, then another and so on until your pain and other symptoms resolve. Then stay at a fairly strong dose until your abdomen is no longer tender and all your symptoms have resolved.
Note: It is also important to go slow with the digestive enzymes. Try one at a time at each meal to see if that is enough. If you normally get indegestion or worse after eating one may do it or you may need two but start out slow because they are caustic. To many enzymes can be just as bad, maybe worse than not enough.
I must say this – and this is important – the pancreatitis supplements work however they alone did NOT do it for me. It was the pancreatitis supplements and MY Pancreatitis Diet in combination that worked to heal my pancreas. ONE (either one) helps but will not produce healing – at least it didn’t for me. It wasn’t until I learned that I NEEDED BOTH to heal that my healing began.
I also drank large amounts of grapefruit juice, probably a gallon per day, starting in 1982 which was years before I found the pancreatitis supplements.
YES, I said a gallon.
If it wasn’t a gallon it was close to it because I drank it all day long and a lot at night and I believe it was grapefruit juice that first stopped my acute pancreatitis attacks however …
I did NOT know that until I found research several years ago that said grapefruit protected mice from acute pancreatitis. “The major finding of the present study is the demonstration for the first time that grapefruit-seed extract applied intragastrically is capable of reducing significantly the extent of pancreatitis induced …” Page 818, 2nd paragraph and you can buy white, unsweetened grapefruit juice at almost any grocery store.
Yes, I know we are not mice but I don’t think it is simply happenstance that my acute attacks resolved once I started drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice because grapefruit juice contains flavonoids similar to those which are found in larger quantities in grape seed extract.
So, get yourself the pancreatitis supplements, take them religiously for life (they are not a cure – there is no cure), adhere to my chronic pancreatitis diet and start healing. Of course you can do what you want but so far this regimen or whatever you want to call it has bought me some really good years I may not have had otherwise. In fact, I may have already been dead by now.
Ok now …
My own personal observations are that most often those pancreatitis supplements that qualify for Amazon’s “super saver” shipping at first glance may have a higher price tag BUT I have usually saved between $.25 (25 cents) to $1 per bottle when calculating the other prices of the same product after including their shipping fees. So the “super saver shipping” saves money in most instances but calculate the transactions yourself and see how you come out.
One other thing: like I have said it may be more beneficial to get your first bottles of pancreatitis supplements from your local health store. That way you can have them immediately and begin using them instead of waiting 10 days for delivery. You may pay more but you’ll have them now and may even see some good benefit within the ten day time period.
Note: I make a commission when you purchase through Amazon using my links. Thanks in advance it keeps me in coffee. 🙂
I wish you good health and pancreas healing!
The Health Guy
Good day Health Guy,
I want to thank you for all your helpful information! My mother has been suffering from chronic pancreatitis for almost ten years now. With just the last attack last week, to yet be admitted to the hospital again = ( …..and to be perfectly honest with you they do nothing for her, I guess they come by it honestly, as they don’t know what to do, as we all know this is the one organ they are clueless about! For the doctors, you either are a drinker or you have cancer…every thing else in between is the unknown, right?!!
I am going to try the grape seed extract for her – I was told wonderful things about this before, however for cancer not pancreatitis.
I feel my mother is at a loss with the medical industry/knowledge in regards to her condition. No one has ever been able to give her any direction in treating her chronic condition, however then I stumbled upon your site, ” a sweet ray of hope” and for that sir, I say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, again THANK YOU! Please know the universe and God will Bless you in many ways for your share, I wish and pray for you, for many and much greatness/blessings , even though I don’t know you, however I recognize your wealth within and character in all of this.
God Bless You Always Mr. Health Guy, for giving my Mother & me some hope in all of this suffering!
You are very welcome and thank you for all your kind words. I am sorry to hear your mother suffers from chronic pancreatitis. It definitely sucks. Grape seed extract is almost a miracle worker when it comes to pancreatitis and yes cancer as well because it actually kills cancer cells. Anyway curcumin and vitamin C are very important also (I use them too) but my personal favorite is grape seed. I’ll have info here on curcumin soon.
Be advised diet is very critical.
The grape seed will not be as effective if you mother is not on an appropriate diet for her chronic pancreatitis.
I have a couple post on this blog about diet.
Good luck to you and your mom! 🙂
Hi Mr. Health Guy,
My mom was readmitted to the hospital on the 12th, she is still there! She still has not recovered. I went to see my local naturopath and he said you are correct with your suggestions, however he wants to detox her gently before hand, however this is the dilema I am in – the doctor won’t allow me to administer this…does this surprise you, not I!
…..very sad = ‘ (
I’m sorry to hear about your mom and no it doesn’t surprise me that her doctor won’t allow common sense pancreatitis remedies because it’s to easy, makes sense, isn’t expensive and they can’t make huge amounts of money from it. Besides, whether your mom gets well or not the doctor still gets paid so it’s no big deal to him. The big benefit for the doc and hospital is the longer she stays in the more they can bill and if they are lucky she’ll become sick enough so they can do surgery and collect more fees, damage her for life and of course collect more fees whenever she needs to be admitted again.
Sorry, where doctors and orthodox medicine is concerned I am very cynical.
Here’s the thing – I’m not sure what you should do but I was in a similar situation with my mother years ago. I took the doctor aside and told him if he didn’t get his head out of his ass and diagnose and fix my mother I’d beat him to death. She was diagnosed correctly and fixed within a very short time, like 48 hours. True scoop. But I also knew the buffoon from a previous personal experience. I had made an appt with said doctor (he was a Gastro spec) when I was really sick with pancreatitis years ago. After explaining my symptoms he merely said I was to young to have a serious problem and he thought I had a “spastic colon.” So, I had prior knowledge pointing to the fact that the guy was an idiot. I’ve met a lot of idiots who “practice” medicine.
I believe, depending upon what country you live in, that you or your mother can fire the doctor (ask someone if this is true before you get to it). You might mention that to him but be careful because it doesn’t endear them to you and not everything I do is actually wise however it seems to me to have worked over the years 🙂 But …
Keep this in mind: If she is still having acute pancreatitis symptoms, her lipase and amylase are still elevated, that means her pancreas is still sustaining damage. Time really is of the essence. The sooner the inflammation is resolved the better. I know what I’d do but I CAN NOT tell you what you or your mom should do.
Good luck – hang in there.
hi there
I have just been diagnosed with CP
I do not have a clue as to what to take eat drink
I am just terrified
Hi Dawn – I understand. The diagnosis can be intimidating but the good news is that if you eat right (avoid fats and alcohol) you can live a decent life. Info on diet etc is all here. Invest the time to read about what I did to heal and still do to stay that way. I make no promises but others have done what I have done with good results. If you have specific questions feel free to ask. 🙂
Boy, did I screw up before reading your information.
I had a acute attack 6 months ago, but was not hospitalized because my Lipase was only 800, so they did not commit me. Took a few days on water to get back on low fat foods. In 2 months my Lipase was down to 100 and felt pretty good. I started having a beer once a month, eating steak every two weeks, etc. My wife made cookies last week and I ate a few. I was not watching my fat intake. I don’t have a clue what they had in them. I have read your information for the last three days, every page and sentence. I now realize after just 6 months from the first attach I was not healed. I’m surprised I made it 6 months. Anyway, I have hurt for several days, but it is getting very slowly better. The pain was pretty bad the first two days. I went on pretty much a liquid diet except to eat a small serving of oatmeal twice a day when I take my pills for spasticity from an old spinal cord injury. Anyway, after reading about taking Ibuprofen from you I tried it out and it really helped. No pain for 6 hours with 400 mg. The first day I also took the 1000 mg of vitamin C you discussed with 100 mg of Grape Seed Extract. So, I took these with the Ibuprofen and oatmeal. In about 10 minutes I was in bad pain, but then in another 20 minutes I was fine with no pain. I got a bit scared so yesterday I quit taking the Grape Seed Extract and C. This morning I took Ibu with oatmeal and my pain was gone for 6 hours. With the Ibu wearing off, I feel a bit better each time. I have had some stomach issues from taking 2400 mg of Ibu for 10 years after my SCI. I am afraid to take any pills without some food,
After all this talk, must I stop the oatmeal until my pancreas heals? I want to keep taking the Ibu and in a day or two add the Grape Seed Extract back, but with oatmeal. Thanks for all your information on the internet, I ordered everything you listed from Amazon except the enzymes. My plan is to start taking them when my pain gets better where I can take more food. I’m afraid I will get a bad irritated stomach with no food. Any input is greatly appreciated. I am ready to change the way I eat so this never happens again. No more beer, bacon wrapped prawns, or prime rib. I do love all seafood, so I’ll be good. I retire in one year and will do more fishing 🙂 Oh, PS: You are a GOD Send, Bless You and Best Wishes in your ventures.
Oh, one more. I heard that virgin pine nut oil is good for pancreatitis. It is polyunsaturated fat. What do you think of this?
Hi David – Pancreatitis definitely requires a learning experience. I’m sorry you have been ill. Did anyone explain why you have been ill? There is always a reason. Gallstones and alcohol are two most prevalent reasons. Eating, anything at this point is likely aggravating your pancreas. IF it were me I’d be fasting (no food). I’d drink a lot of water and take grape seed extract and vit c. I’d also be taking Ibuprofen; One large 800-1200 mg dose and then 200 mgs per day after for a few days. I know you mentioned some issues with NSAIDS so naturally it is all your call but if you keep eating while you are ill you may wish you hadn’t. Oh and oil (any kind) is one of the worst things you could consume.
Your information was so helpful and very much needed and appreciated. My stepson has been battling this for 2 years, has had his gall bladder removed and still has had no actual progress made. He has become so thin it’s scary. The doctors believe that he’s fine and his numbers show fine as long as he maintains his weight but that this rate what weight,? He’s skin and bones. We purchased all of the supplements you recommended and have started the diet you recommended, which hoping to follow up with a nutritionist this week. My question is .. after 2 years of trying to figure out what’s really going on he has already been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis.. at 24 years old, drinking not being the case.., but how should we go about the supplements. Is it best to start slow or just take them all full amount right away??
Hi Kerrianne G – Remember I am not a doctor and anything he does is at his own risk. I simply share what I do/did to heal and stay well. It is always best to start slow with the supplements. Increase on a weekly basis. It takes time to heal so don’t expect overnight miracles. He may lose more weight at first (no fat, low fat diet) but when he gets healed and feels better he’ll probably be able to eat more protein and gain weight again. That isn’t always the case but is the goal. If you have any more questions ask and let me know how he does please.
Mr Health Guy..I couldn’t find an e-mail address. Your blog has been a great deal of help. Long story but by all indications have been chronic pancreatitis for a long time. I am recovering from what has to be an acute attack. My question is will I ever be able to eat regular tuna in water, trout, Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemons in my juicing again..also air popped popcorn of course with no oils etc..Thank You. You have been a Blessing..Keep Looking Up, Jimmy Staten
Hi Jimmy … I apologize I’m slow responding. I eat canned albacore tuna in water. Only one gram of fat and 29 grams of protein. Just don’t put fat on it or in it. I do use spices and mustard but those have zero fat. Trout is similar to salmon, cold water oily fish. Good stuff but can often bother some CP patients so test, test, test with small amounts first. I use apple cider vinegar. Not often just when I need it but it has no fat and shouldn’t be an issue. Same with lemons. Test EVERYTHING separately. IF you mix stuff, especially usually safe foods with foods that contain fat people often blame the wrong foods. God bless!
Hi Health guy
You have no idea how happy I am to have found your blog. I just ordered the grape seed and vitamin c from Amazon… Wasn’t sure if I could take the Curcumin as I have no gallbladder…would this be ok?? Also is it ok to take a multivitamin on a daily basis?? I am 49 years old… And have had 6 hospital stays 2 MRI’s 4 CT scans and numerous bloodwork… My lipase at its highest was 7000… I can tell when it’s getting bad because the pain is unbearable and the vomiting is violent… I can’t do ibuprofen on an empty stomach (I have acid reflux) and all the strong pain killers make me puke so I get by on Tylenol. Just got out of the hospital a week ago… I had a stone removed last month from where my pancreas and bile duct meet… Doc put in a stent… The last procedure on March 10 was another ERCP because they thought there was another stone… He got in there and couldn’t find it… He did, however, put in another stent as pancreas was still inflamed and he wanted to open up the duct… The stents he uses are passed naturally after a few weeks. If this one does not do so… I will be looking at yet another ERCP to remove it. I am not a drinker but up until 3 months ago my diet sucked… I mean sucked!! My favorite part of the steak was the crispy fat… Well… No more of that…I haven’t been to work since January 2… I miss my job but I’ve been in and out of the hospital so much… So my question is… Can I I take vitamins with the supplements you suggest…. What do you think about the curcumin with no gallbladder? And… How much activity is ok when you don’t feel well with pain? It’s been months… I have lost 30 lbs… I want my life back… I’m ok with no alcohol and low fat… I can’t do dairy so I do almond milk unsweetened… It has very little fat…this blog has given me hope and I thank you for that… Have you considered a book?? Maybe one with all these blog messages… With your advice and everyone’s individual stories… It is a huge help… A thousand times better than what I’ve gotten from my doc or specialists!! Many many thanks!!!
Lisa D
Hi Lisa – Glad you like the blog but sorry to hear that you are not well. Nope no book in the works. Since you no longer have a gallbladder and haven’t been diagnosed with SOD it is probably safe to use curcumin. I’d get a small bottle to test it first in case something like SOD was missed. If it doesn’t cause problems in a week or so of use you should be good to go. Multi vitmamin-mineral formulations are perfectly safe to take with the 3 supplements. In fact it would be good to use one. As far as activity – do as much as you feel able. Get well and stay well 🙂
Hi health guy… Thanks for writing me back… I’m just starting the curcumin so I’ll give it a week or so… The grape extract and vitamin c you recommended seems to be helping… One more question tho… If I go over 5 mg of fat per meal… I get bad pain the next day… Is this low fat thing something I will be dealing with forever? I’ve eliminated pork and beef…found some amazing recipes… One for a veggie burger that I would take over a regular burger any day… But I’ve lost 30 pounds and it doesn’t seem to be stopping… I’m 5’4 and 128lbs… Any more will be way to low… How do I keep my weight stable with no fat?? One other thing that’s been helping… I squeeze the juice of half a lemon into water every morning before anything else…this might be comparable to your grapefruit juice? I know most people are struggling to get skinny… I just want to stop losing weight and get healthy.
Thanks again
Lisa D
Hi Lisa – I know this isn’t what you want to hear but chances are if your pancreas has sustained damage the diet may be a life-long deal but only time will tell for sure. It is best to forget about everything except healing your pancreas. That should be the most important goal in your life right now. Try to consume as much safe protein as you can tolerate. That will help stabalize your weight. Legumes (beans, peas, lentils) and egg whites are full of protein and boast ZERO fat. Half a chicken breast, a cup of beans or lentils with some broccoli will give you about 50 grams of protein with about 4 – 5 grams of fat. You can use the tool on this site to check food fat grams, protein, nutrient density etc. As far as I know lemon juice doesn’t work like grapefruit juice.
Hi health guy… Can chronic pancreatitis give a person joint pain?? I am on no other meds… I’m due to start enzymes with meals but haven’t yet… Just taking the grape seed and vitamin c plus a multi vitamin… My hands and fingers are the worst nut hips and ankles and feet are sore in joints too…any idea??
Lisa D
Hi Lisa – Your question: “Can chronic pancreatitis give a person joint pain??” and my answer is I have never heard that it does. Have you been checked for arthritis? And has anyone told you why you have chronic pancreatitis? I mean is there a possibility that it’s autoimmune related? Some autoimmune disease actually cause acute pancreatitis. IF you have undiagnosed RA, Lupus, psoriatic arthritis. One of those may be the cause of your joint pain and might actually be traced to your AP/CP. Just a thought. Even Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) syndrome which can often accompany other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus could be hiding out in there somewhere. I’m not saying Sjogren’s causes joint pain cuz it doesn’t seem to do that but it hangs out with immune disorders that do and Sjogren’s and Lupus and other autoimmune diseases do cause AP.
Hi health guy,
Doing a lot better over here… Been taking the vitamin c and grape seed extract… One thing I wanted to share with you… I also am not able to tolerate dairy but I sat with a nutritionist because I kept losing weight… On top of eating very low fat (only 5g per meal) I drink two protein shakes a day made from unsweetened almond milk and sunwarrior protein powder… It’s vegan and the vanilla classic has no fat… That plus any kind of fruit makes a great smoothy and helps get in good calories…again… I can’t thank you enough…your support and suggestions have been so very important in my finding the right path to recovery!!! Blessings to you always,
Lisa D