Pancreatic elastase is an enzyme that digests protein. It’s only produced by the pancreas and when it is seen in the stool, it’s an excellent biomarker of how well the pancreas is performing.

Pancreatic Elastase is an enzyme produced by exocrine tissue in the pancreas. Fecal pancreatic elastase is a non-invasive marker of exocrine pancreatic function. In the digestive tract, elastase is not broken down by other enzymes and is eventually eliminated from the body in the stool. Elastase can be detected and measured in the stool when a person's pancreas is functioning normally. The level in the stool is decreased when the exocrine tissues of the pancreas are not producing sufficient elastase and other digestive enzymes.

A Pancreatic Elastase-1 result in the orange range on the Vibrant Gut Zoomer suggests borderline pancreatic insufficiency and reduced digestive enzyme output.

What it means

Pancreatic elastase is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function, meaning how well your pancreas produces digestive enzymes.

Interpretation ranges (general clinical cutoffs):

• >200 mcg/g: Normal enzyme function

• 100–200 mcg/g (your range): Mild to moderate pancreatic enzyme insufficiency

• <100 mcg/g: Severe enzyme insufficiency

In the orange range, the pancreas may not be producing enough enzymes to fully digest food, particularly fats and proteins.

Possible symptoms

People in this range may experience:

• Bloating and gas

• Loose or greasy stools

• Malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies

• Abdominal discomfort after eating

Common causes

Borderline/low pancreatic elastase can be associated with:

• Small intestinal inflammation (IBD, celiac)

• Chronic digestive stress or SIBO

• Pancreatic stress or early stage pancreatic insufficiency

• Long-term poor gut function or dysbiosis

What to consider next

• Review GI symptoms and diet

• Assess for fat-soluble vitamin levels (A, D, E, K)

• Consider a trial of digestive enzyme support (under supervision)

• Repeat testing if symptoms are present

• Evaluate for underlying causes if clinically indicated

If results stay low or symptoms are significant, your clinician may consider further testing like fecal fat analysis or pancreatic imaging.

Pancreatic Elastase is an enzyme produced by exocrine tissue in the pancreas. Fecal pancreatic elastase is a non-invasive marker of exocrine pancreatic function. In the digestive tract, elastase is not broken down by other enzymes and is eventually eliminated from the body in the stool. Elastase can be detected and measured in the stool when a person's pancreas is functioning normally. The level in the stool is decreased when the exocrine tissues of the pancreas are not producing sufficient elastase and other digestive enzymes.

Pancreatic Polypeptide: A Key Marker for Pancreatic Health and Endocrine Function

Pancreatic Polypeptide (PP) is a 36-amino acid hormone secreted by the F-cells in the pancreas, playing an essential role in regulating digestive functions, pancreatic secretion, and appetite. As a critical component of the pancreas's endocrine system, it is involved in controlling pancreatic enzyme release and influencing gastrointestinal motility.

Pantothenic acid plays vital roles in energy production from foodstuffs. Pantothenate is a component of coenzyme A, which is indispensable for two-carbon unit metabolism (acetyl groups). Acetyl groups are involved in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and other compounds, as well as synthesis of fats, cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin and phospholipids.

Pantothenic acid is an essential B vitamin (=Vitamin B5) that is converted to coenzyme A (unrelated to vitamin A). Coenzyme A is needed for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and acetyl choline and is also needed for the Krebs cycle and fatty acid catabolism.

Pantothenic acid is an essential B vitamin (=Vitamin B5) that is converted to coenzyme A (unrelated to vitamin A). Coenzyme A is needed for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and acetyl choline and is also needed for the Krebs cycle and fatty acid catabolism.

Pantothenic acid is an essential B vitamin (=Vitamin B5) that is converted to coenzyme A (unrelated to vitamin A). Coenzyme A is needed for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and acetyl choline and is also needed for the Krebs cycle and fatty acid catabolism.

Pantothenic acid is an essential B vitamin (=Vitamin B5) that is converted to coenzyme A (unrelated to vitamin A). Coenzyme A is needed for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and acetyl choline and is also needed for the Krebs cycle and fatty acid catabolism.

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a simple and important screening procedure used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It helps identify changes that may lead to cervical cancer, often before any symptoms appear.

During the test, a healthcare provider gently collects a small sample of cells from the cervix using a soft brush or swab. These cells are then examined under a microscope or analyzed in a lab to check for precancerous changes, infections, or other abnormalities.

The Papaya marker measures IgG antibodies to proteins found in papaya. Results are reported as none detected, very low, low, moderate, or high. These levels reflect immune exposure and recognition rather than a true fruit allergy. Interpretation should consider symptom patterns, portion size, and overall digestive health.

PapIG, HPV, Rfx 16/18, refers to a series of tests used in cervical cancer screening.

The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a procedure that collects cells from the cervix to detect precancerous or cancerous cell changes.

HPV refers to the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. Specific strains of HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, are known to be high-risk for developing cervical cancer.

The term "Rfx" stands for "reflex," suggesting a testing protocol where, if an initial test (like an HPV test) is positive, it is followed by a reflex test specifically for the high-risk types 16 and 18. When the results for these tests come back negative, it indicates that no high-risk HPV types are present and that there are no abnormal cell changes on the cervix at the time of testing. This outcome is reassuring, but regular screening is recommended to monitor for any future changes that could develop into cervical cancer.

The presence of organic compounds such as p-Hydroxybenzoate in the urine may point towards significant dysbiosis (=impaired microbiota). p-Hydroxybenzoat may reflect intestsinal overgrowth, usually accomanied by microbal hyperpermeability.

Para-hydroxyphenylacetate, often referred to as P-Hydroxyphenylacetate or PARA, is a metabolite that plays a crucial role in the US BioTek Organic Acids panel, a diagnostic tool used in functional medicine and clinical assessments. PARA is a key intermediate in the degradation pathway of the amino acid tyrosine and is produced during the breakdown of tyrosine in the body. Elevated levels of PARA on the panel can provide valuable insights into various metabolic and enzymatic processes. An abnormal PARA level can be indicative of issues related to tyrosine metabolism, such as deficiencies in enzymes like phenylalanine hydroxylase or tyrosine aminotransferase. It can also suggest disruptions in gut microbiota, as some bacteria produce PARA as a metabolic byproduct.