High triglyceride levels have been shown to be a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. The high-dose dietary intake of marine oils containing an essential fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been shown to be very effective in reducing triglyceride levels in both Type V hyperlipidemics and normals. However, the dietary intake of large amounts of marine oils also means that high levels of cholesterol are also being ingested. The goal of this research is to develop a methodology for producing a pharmaceutical grade of marine oil rich in EPA, but low in cholesterol. Lipid Specialities, Inc. will investigate and compare two techniques: supercritical fluid extraction and molecular distillation. The EPA-containing oils prepared using each technique will be analyzed by a number of tests standard in the edible oil industry to determine whether the finished product has the technical specifications to be considered a pharmaceutical-grade material. If Phase I is successful, then Phase II studies will focus on using these low cholesterol oils in clinical trials.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
