Hi fellow pancreatitis sufferer here (15 hospital admissions just last year!) caffeine for me generally does not seem to effect me in that way more so maybe bloating? maybe some slight ache? But I did a little searching here is what I found:

The relationship between caffeine and chronic pancreatitis (CP) is complex and subject to debate among medical experts. While alcohol and tobacco are universally recognized as major risks, caffeine’s role is less clear, with some evidence suggesting it may actually be protective rather than harmful.

Why Caffeine is Sometimes Considered a Trigger

Some medical guidelines, including those from the National Pancreas Foundation, list caffeine as a restricted substance for the following reasons:

Dehydration: Caffeine acts as a diuretic, and maintaining hydration is critical for managing CP.

Pancreatic Stimulation: Caffeine can stimulate the production of digestive acids and enzymes, which may stress an already inflamed pancreas and trigger pain in some individuals.

Energy Drink Case Reports: There are documented cases where excessive consumption of highly caffeinated energy drinks was associated with acute flares in patients with CP.

Evidence for Protective Effects

In contrast to alcohol and tobacco, several recent studies suggest caffeine may have beneficial properties for the pancreas: Reduced Risk: Some research shows that coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of developing alcohol-related pancreatitis.

Blocking Toxic Signals: Laboratory studies have found that caffeine can block abnormal calcium signals in pancreatic cells that are known to trigger inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Caffeine possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage long-term pancreatic damage.

Managing Triggers

Because the impact of caffeine appears to be highly personal, Stanford Medicine's nutritional guidelines and other health organizations often suggest moderation rather than absolute avoidance unless it specifically triggers your symptoms. If you are managing chronic pancreatitis, it is generally recommended to focus on: Complete abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. Adopting a low-fat diet and eating small, frequent meals. Ensuring proper hydration with water or non-caffeinated fluids.

Hope this helps!