Glossary

E

Eczema

An inflammation of the skin. Eczema most commonly appears as very itchy, dry, red patches of skin.

Eicosapentanoic Acid (EPA)

is an omega-3 fatty acid. EPA is found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring and oysters. Eating more EPA can help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Endocrinologist

A medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones, such as insulin. Diabetes is an endocrine disease.

Esophagus

The tube that runs between the throat and the stomach. When a person swallows food, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food from the throat down into the stomach.

Essential nutrients

Nutrients that must be obtained in the diet because our body does not make them or cannot make enough of them.

Exclusive breastfeeding

is defined as no food or liquid other than breastmilk, not even water, is given to the infant from birth until six months of age.