EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES.These studies look at
factors affecting the health and illness of populations.
EPIDEMIOLOGIST.A scientist or medical specialist
who studies the origins and spread of diseases in
populations.
EPIGENETIC.A modification of gene expression
that is independent of the DNA sequence of the gene.
EPILEPSY.A disorder of the brain that results in
recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
EPINEPHRINE.(also called adrenaline) A hormone
released by the body during times of stress, it increase
heart rate and blood pressure. As a medication, it may
be used to constrict blood vessels, relax breathing
tubes, and as a treatment for anaphylaxis.
EPI-PEN.A the brand name of the auto–injectable
form of epinephrine. Used to stop or prevent anaphy-
laxis after expose to an allergen.
EPITHELIAL CELL.Sheet of cells lining organs through-
out the body.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION.The inability to get or
maintain an erection.
ERGOGENIC.Enhancing physicalperformance, par-
ticularly during athletic activity.
ERYTHROPOETIN (EPO).A hormone produced by
the kidneys that regulates the production of red
blood cells. It is sometimes used by athletes to increase
the oxygen-carrying capacity of their blood.
ESOPHAGITIS.Inflammation of the esophagus.
ESOPHAGUS.Muscular tube through which food
passes from the pharynx to the stomach.
ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID.An amino acid that is
necessary for health but that cannot be made by the
body and must be acquired through diet.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID.A type of fat that is neces-
sary for the normal function of the brain and body and
that the body is unable to produce itself, making them
‘essential’ to be taken through the diet and / or
supplements.
ESTROGEN.A hormone produced by the ovaries
and testes. It stimulates the development of secondary
sexual characteristics and induces menstruation in
women.
ETHANOL.The chemical name of beverage alcohol.ETIOLOGY. The cause of a disease or medical
condition.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL.Oil extracted from the
seeds of the evening primrose,Oenothera biennis; con-
tains GLA.EXCIPIENT.An inert substance, such as certain gums
or starches, used to make drugs easier to take by allow-
ing them to be formulated into tablets or liquids. Some
artificial sweeteners are used as excipients.
EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGIST.A health professional
who specializes in behaviors related to physical
activity.EXPECTORANT. A substance that stimulates
removal of mucus from the lungs.EXTRACT.A compound in which something has
been taken out so that it is now in a more purified
state.EXTRAHEPATIC.Originating or occurring outside
the liver.F
FACTORY FARMING.A term that refers to the appli-
cation of techniques of mass production borrowed
from industry to the raising of livestock, poultry,
fish, and crops. It is also known as industrial
agriculture.FAMINE.Extended period of food shortage.FAST.A period of at least 24 hours in which a
person eats nothing and drinks only water.
FAT.A nutrient that the body uses as an energy
source. Fats produce 9 calories per gram.FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMIN.A vitamin that dissolves in
and can be stored in body fat or the liver.FATTY ACID.A chemical unit that occurs naturally,
either singly or combined, and consists of strongly
linked carbon and hydrogen atoms in a chain-like
structure. The end of the chain contains a reactive
acid group made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.FDA.The Food and Drug Administration is the
United States Department of Health and Human
Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety
and effectiveness of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and
medical devices.FECAL.Relating to feces.FECES.Waste product of digestion formed in the
large intestine. About 75% of its mass is water, theGlossary