Influence of cholesterol and fat in food on indirect parameters of exocrine pancreatic function

Fecal elastase 1, chymotrypsin activity, and fat content in stool are clinical parameters of exocrine pancreatic function. The aim of this study was to clarify the possible impact of extreme changes in diet on fecal enzyme concentration/activity, since extreme diets may lead to wrong conclusions in the diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency. Twelve healthy test persons followed 4 diet phases, each with a duration of 6 days. The 4 diet phases were (1) nearly fat-free with a low-cholesterol content; (2) high in fat and low in cholesterol; (3) high in cholesterol deriving from meat, and (4) high in cholesterol deriving from eggs. At the end of each diet phase, a 72-hour stool collection was carried out to measure fecal elastase 1, chymotrypsin and fecal fat content. The results showed no significant changes after each of the 4 diet phases. The clinical parameters of fecal elastase 1 and chymotrypsin activity in stool do not seem to be significantly influenced by fat and cholesterol deriving from food.