# Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas releases digestive enzymes that are necessary for proper food digestion and absorption. When the pancreas does not release enough of these enzymes it is called **exocrine pancreatic insufficiency**. This condition predisposes the patient to nutrient deficiencies, loose stools and GI upset. Treatment is prescription strength supplemental pancreatic enzymes (Creon) taken with meals. Patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have elevated levels of fecal fat. Fat malabsorption predisposes patients to deficiencies of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Rarely, patients may also have vitamin B12 deficiency because a reduction in intestinal pH adversely affects the transfer of vitamin B12 from R protein to intrinsic factor