Pancreatic Juice

Pancreatic juice is a digestive enzyme produced in the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine. It is composed primarily of water, electrolytes, and enzymes and is essential for the breakdown of food molecules into their component parts. Pancreatic juice is composed of bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acid of the stomach, and enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, and nucleases, which break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids, respectively. Pancreatic juice is produced in two stages: the first is a secretory process in which bicarbonate and enzymes are released into the duodenum and the second is a digestive process in which the enzymes are activated by the acid in the duodenum. The combination of bicarbonate and enzymes allows for the neutralization of the acid in the stomach, as well as the breakdown of food molecules. Pancreatic juice is also essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, as well as the absorption of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.