Food should nourish you, not cause anxiety. If you're tired of restrictive diets that don't work, confused about what you can safely eat, or worried about social situations involving food—it's time for a practical, sustainable approach to EPI nutrition.
Nutrition Fundamentals with EPI
Proper nutrition is critical when living with EPI. While PERT helps you digest food, strategic meal planning ensures you get adequate calories, maintain healthy weight, and prevent nutritional deficiencies. The key is working with your enzyme therapy, not against it.
General Dietary Principles
Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals
5-6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large ones.
Easier digestion, better enzyme matching, reduced bloating.
Match Enzymes to Food
Take appropriate PERT dose based on fat content of each meal.
High-fat meal = higher enzyme dose; snack = smaller dose.
Focus on Nutrient Density
Choose foods that pack maximum nutrition per bite.
Important for maintaining weight and preventing deficiencies.
Ready for a Personalized EPI Meal Plan?
Stop guessing what to eat. Our guide includes detailed meal plans, shopping lists, and recipes specifically designed for EPI patients—making nutrition simple and stress-free.
Get Your EPI Nutrition PlanMacronutrient Guidelines
Protein
20-30%
Lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes. Essential for maintaining muscle mass.
Carbohydrates
45-55%
Whole grains, fruits, vegetables. Easier to digest than fats.
Fats
20-30%
Don't restrict too much. Fats provide essential calories and nutrients.
Note: Work with a registered dietitian to determine your optimal macronutrient ratio based on symptoms, weight goals, and enzyme response.
Best Foods for EPI
Lean Proteins
- • Skinless chicken and turkey
- • Fish (salmon, cod, tilapia)
- • Eggs and egg whites
- • Low-fat dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese)
- • Lean beef and pork (trimmed)
- • Tofu and tempeh
- • Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
- • Protein shakes (low-fat)
Easily Digestible Carbohydrates
- • White rice and pasta (easier to digest)
- • Oatmeal and cream of wheat
- • Bananas and cooked fruits
- • Sweet potatoes and squash
- • White bread and crackers
- • Well-cooked vegetables
- • Rice cakes and pretzels
- • Applesauce and fruit purees
Healthy Fats (with PERT)
- • MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) - easiest to absorb
- • Olive oil (small amounts)
- • Avocado (moderate portions)
- • Nuts and nut butters (small servings with enzymes)
Build Your Perfect EPI-Friendly Grocery List
Make grocery shopping easier with our comprehensive food lists, brand recommendations, and strategies for finding EPI-friendly options at any store.
Complete Nutrition GuideFoods to Limit or Avoid
High-Fat Foods (especially if symptoms persist)
- • Fried foods and fast food
- • Fatty cuts of meat
- • Full-fat dairy products
- • Heavy cream sauces and gravies
Gas-Producing Foods
- • Beans and lentils (until tolerance established)
- • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
- • Carbonated beverages
- • Artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, xylitol)
Hard-to-Digest Items
- • Raw vegetables (cook thoroughly)
- • Whole nuts and seeds
- • Tough, fibrous meats
- • Spicy and acidic foods (if irritating)
Essential Supplements
Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Take water-soluble (micellized) forms for better absorption. Blood tests help determine appropriate doses.
Common doses: Vitamin D 2,000-4,000 IU daily, others as prescribed.
MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglycerides don't require pancreatic enzymes to digest. Great calorie booster.
Start with 1 tsp daily, gradually increase to 1-2 tbsp as tolerated.
B Vitamins & Minerals
B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc - test levels and supplement as needed.
Sample Meal Plan
Breakfast (7:00 AM) + PERT
Scrambled eggs, white toast with small amount of butter, banana, orange juice
Mid-Morning Snack (10:00 AM) + PERT
Greek yogurt (low-fat) with honey
Lunch (12:30 PM) + PERT
Grilled chicken breast, white rice, steamed carrots, small salad with light dressing
Afternoon Snack (3:00 PM) + PERT
Crackers with almond butter, apple slices
Dinner (6:00 PM) + PERT
Baked salmon, sweet potato, green beans, small roll
Evening Snack (8:30 PM) + PERT
Protein shake or pudding
Complete EPI Nutrition Guide
Get detailed meal plans, recipes, shopping lists, and personalized nutrition strategies in our comprehensive guide.
Get the Complete Guide