Can patients with pancreatitis eat crabs?
I have pancreatitis and am currently in the recovery phase. I heard that crabs are rich in protein but also high in fat. May I ask if I can eat them now?
Doctor's answer (1)
Pancreatitis patients can generally eat crab, but it should be consumed in moderation. If the condition is in an acute phase or is relatively severe, eating crab is usually not recommended.
The diet of pancreatitis patients should be light and bland, avoiding high-protein, high-fat, and high-purine foods. Although crab contains abundant protein, trace elements, and vitamin A, which are beneficial for bodily nourishment, it is also cold in nature and considered a high-protein and high-cholesterol food.
During an acute pancreatitis attack or when the inflammation has not fully subsided, fat intake should be strictly limited to avoid stimulating the pancreas to secrete excessive digestive enzymes, which may worsen the condition. At this time, crab—especially the crab roe and other high-fat parts—is not suitable for consumption. As the condition stabilizes and recovery progresses, patients can gradually transition to low-fat, easily digestible foods. At this stage, moderate consumption of steamed or boiled crab meat may be safe for most patients.
Even during the stable phase of the disease, pancreatitis patients should follow medical advice, arranging their diet according to individual digestive capacity and nutritional needs, avoiding excessive intake of foods that may cause discomfort.
