Diet & Nutrition Glossary: E

eicosapentaenoic acid; EPA : An omega-3 fatty acid that reduces inflammation, perhaps by inhibiting an enzyme called COX-2, which is linked to inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

electrolytes: Mineral compounds that, when dissolved in water, become electrically charged particles called ions.

epinephrine: A form of adrenaline. It is often used to alleviate airway constriction caused by an allergic reaction.

essential amino acids : The amino acids your body cannot manufacture. You need to obtain them from your diet.

essential fatty acid : A fat that your body needs but cannot assemble from other fats. You have to get it whole, from food.

essential nutrient: A nutrient essential to humans. Your body cannot manufacture an essential nutrient. You need to get it from your diet.

estrogens: Female sex hormones.