Glossary

Acid Reflux:

A condition in which contents from the stomach flow back up into the esophagus, often causing a painful sensation behind the breast bone called “heartburn.”

Amino Acids:

Compounds containing nitrogen that form the building blocks of proteins. A protein is composed of chains of many amino acids. Some amino acids are considered nutritionally essential and must be supplied by the diet.

Anemia:

Having too few red blood cells.

Chronic Diarrhea:

Frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements on an ongoing basis.

Dehydration:

Excessive loss of body fluid through frequent urinating, sweating, chronic diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Dysphagia:

Difficulty swallowing.

ELISA Testing:

The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is an advanced laboratory test used to detect small amounts of specific proteins.

Enteral Feeding:

Taking nutrition into the body through the digestive system either orally or via a tube.

Eosinophil:

A type of white blood cell with immune system element.

Eosinophilic Colitis (EoC):

Chronic, immune-mediated disorder with eosinophil-predominant inflammation in the colon.

Eosinophilic Duodenitis (EoD):

Chronic, immune-mediated disorder with eosinophil-predominant inflammation in the duodenum (first part of the small intestine).

Eosinophilic Enteritis (EoN):

Chronic, immune-mediated disorder with eosinophil-predominant inflammation in the small bowel.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE):

Chronic, immune-mediated disorder with eosinophil-predominant inflammation in the esophagus.

Eosinophilic Gastritis (EoG):

Chronic, immune-mediated disorder with eosinophil-predominant inflammation in the stomach.

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs):

Chronic, immune-mediated disorder with eosinophil-predominant inflammation in specific regions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Eosinophilic Ileitis (EoI):

Chronic, immune-mediated disorder with eosinophil- predominant inflammation in the ileum (last part of the small intestine).

Eosinophilic Jejunitis (EoJ):

Chronic, immune-mediated disorder with eosinophil- predominant inflammation in the duodenum (middle part of the small intestine).

Food Allergy:

A reaction of the body's immune system to food proteins. The reaction can become stronger each time the individual is exposed to the protein and can become life-threatening in rare cases. The most common food protein allergies are to cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy.

Galactosemia:

A buildup of the sugar galactose in the blood. This occurs when a body lacks the enzymes needed to break down galactose into usable glucose. Too much galactose can damage the liver, eyes, brain, and kidneys.

Gastroparesis:

A condition in which the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion.

Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube):

A tube placed in the stomach that provides an alternate way to offer food and/or medicines. It also can be used to vent your child's stomach for air or drainage.

Gluten:

A protein in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.

Hypoallergenic:

A product that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Abbott Nutrition manufactures three clinically documented hypoallergenic formulas: Similac Alimentum^®, EleCare^® and EleCare^® Jr.

Intestinal Adaptation:

Process in which the small intestine increases in size so it has more surface area through which to absorb nutrients. This often occurs after bowel resection surgery.

Malabsorption:

A condition that occurs when the bowel cannot absorb enough protein, fat, or nutrients from a normal formula or diet. Symptoms often include diarrhea and weight loss. This can be due to a food protein allergy to cow's milk or soy, or other causes.

Malnutrition:

Poor nourishment of the body often due to inadequate digestion and/or absorption of nutrients, insufficient food intake, or bad eating habits.

Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube):

A small, plastic tube placed through the nose into the stomach. It is used to provide nutrients and medications until the baby can take them orally.

Oral Feeding:

Receiving nutrition through the mouth.

PAGE Testing:

Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) testing is used to detect small amounts of intact protein, regardless of its source. PAGE testing is one of the tests conducted on finished EleCare^® products before release.

Parenteral Feeding:

Taking nutrition into the body in a way other than through the digestive system, for instance, through intravenous feeding (into a vein).

Protein:

A large complex molecule made up of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins are needed by the body to grow and function properly.

Short Bowel Syndrome:

Malabsorptive conditions resulting from massive re-sectioning of the small intestine. Malnutrition and diarrhea are common.

Small Intestine:

The narrow, winding, upper part of the intestine where most food is digested, and most nutrients are absorbed.

Tube Feeding:

Feeding (either a special liquid formula or pureed food) that is delivered to a patient through a tube directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, usually through the nose or directly into the stomach or small intestine.