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Eggs in acute and chronic pancreatitis: raw, boiled, quail eggs

Medical expert of the article

Gastroenterologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

The nature of the disease caused by inflammation of the pancreas forces patients to be very careful and thoughtful about their diet, so as not to provoke complications. When the function of the organ to produce pancreatic juice with enzymes involved in digestion is disrupted, girdle pain, general weakness, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dry mouth appear. In addition to drug therapy for the pathology, diet is of the utmost importance. Is there a place for eggs in it?

Can you eat eggs if you have pancreatitis?

There are different answers to this question and they depend on the form of the disease:

  • eggs in acute pancreatitis - it is characterized by severe pain, increased body temperature, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, hot flashes of sweating. An attack, simply exhausting a person, can last from an hour to several days. This condition requires an immediate call to an ambulance team and a complete refusal of both food and drink, since this can cause an increase in the area of the inflammation of the organ. Fasting is maintained for 3-5 days, then egg whites are carefully introduced into the diet in the form of a steamed omelet, soufflé with it, casserole. And somewhere a month after the outbreak of the disease, soft-boiled whole is allowed;
  • eggs in chronic pancreatitis - the symptoms of the initial stage are insignificant, but over time, pancreatic insufficiency progresses, which affects well-being. Much still depends on nutrition, so perhaps not a strict restriction, but adherence to the basic canons of dietary nutrition should be present. In this case, you should not abuse eggs, but one every other day is quite acceptable. The dense yolk of a hard-boiled egg is poorly digested, fried eggs, salads with eggs seasoned with mayonnaise are unacceptable. It is best to cook steamed omelets, poached or soft-boiled, as well as add to minced meat, use in baking;
  • eggs for pancreatitis and cholecystitis - often these diseases are caused by the same reasons, only in the case of cholecystitis the inflammation affects the gallbladder. Sometimes one pathology aggravates another. Nutrition is the most important link in the treatment of their localization and eggs are consumed according to the previous scenario;
  • eggs during exacerbation of pancreatitis - the chronic course of the disease has 2 stages: exacerbation and remission. The first occurs when the diet is violated, can be provoked by fatty, spicy foods, alcohol, as well as injuries, infections. Its peculiarity is that the pancreatic juice, designed to break down fats and carbohydrates, affects its own cells, leading to their death. The clinical picture is very similar to the acute phase and requires an immediate response, including one or two fasting days with further strict restrictions in food. Eggs are included in the menu only after a clear decrease in the severity of symptoms.

Benefits

Why should eggs be in the human diet? Digestive diseases ultimately lead to impaired absorption of substances necessary for the proper functioning of human organs. It needs animal proteins and egg proteins are almost completely (95%) absorbed. The benefit of the yolk is its rich minerals (potassium, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, magnesium) and vitamins (A, D, E, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, B12, H, KK, choline, PP). Eggs have a positive effect on brain activity, help strengthen the skeletal system, and recent studies prove that they are also useful for the cardiovascular system.

Quail eggs for pancreatitis

Quail eggs are considered more dietary. Their protein is saturated with essential amino acids, vitamin A is 2.5 times higher than chicken, they also contain more iron, copper, phosphorus, cobalt. Quail products have anti-inflammatory properties and are able to restore pancreatic tissue, blocking the destructive effect of enzymes on it.

While chicken eggs are recommended to be eaten with pancreatitis only in cooked form, quail eggs can be eaten raw. The daily norm for an adult is 3-5 pieces, for children 1-3 is enough, depending on age. They are drunk 30 minutes before the main meal. It is believed that a course of a month helps to strengthen the organ.

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Contraindications

Chicken egg white is a strong allergen, so it is contraindicated for people prone to allergies. The fats in the egg yolk are poorly digested and have a diuretic effect, so during an exacerbation of pancreatitis they can cause harm.

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Possible risks

The biggest risk associated with chicken eggs is the possibility of salmonella infection. This intestinal infection is a serious disease in itself, and against the background of pancreatitis can lead to dangerous consequences. To avoid possible complications, eggs should be washed and boiled well.

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