Lipicare

Lipicare is a medical food that provides the conditionally essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA
(eicosapentaenoic) and DHA (docosahexaenoic) from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba); phospholipids
(80% as phosphatidylcholine); and the carotenoid astaxanthin, which provides antioxidant support and
has a characteristic red color. Lipicare is formulated to provide clinical dietary management of omega-3
phospholipid deficiency which may be associated with mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridemia; and to
support cell membrane fluidity, normal homocysteine metabolism, and cardiometabolic health.

Lipicare, also known as Onemia™, is a patented medical food formulated for the clinical dietary management of omega-3
phospholipid deficiency, a condition which can lead to an increase in cardiovascular risk factors and unfavorable metabolic
changes. As a medical food, Lipicare is to be used under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner and requires
a prescription.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Healthy omega-3 phospholipid status affects cell membrane function and cardiometabolic health.
EPA and DHA have been extensively studied for their positive effects on cardiovascular health, cognitive integrity, immune
function, and the natural response to inflammation.[1,2] Research suggests that serum EPA and DHA, which reflect dietary
intake, are inversely associated with mortality, cardiovascular risk, and sudden cardiac death.[3,4] The omega-3 index, a
measurement of erythrocyte EPA plus DHA, has become recognized as a biomarker of cardiovascular health.[4] Clinical trials
suggest that Lipicare promotes an improvement in omega-3 index.[5]
Adequate serum and cell-membrane levels of EPA/DHA are crucial to cell function. Many individuals have a limited ability
to convert the parent omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid to EPA and DHA; therefore, adequate intake of preformed EPA and DHA
is necessary.[6] Lipicare provides EPA and DHA in a concentrated, bioavailable, phospholipid form found to positively affect
blood lipids, including triglycerides, to a greater extent than the triglyceride or ethyl-ester form of fish oil does. [5,6] Some
studies suggest that fish oil may increase low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels,[1,7,8] while krill oil may decrease LDL.[9]
Phospholipids Considered the building blocks of healthy cells, phospholipids are water- and fat-soluble and help maintain
cell membrane fluidity and function. The phospholipid form (versus triglyceride form) of omega-3 EPA and DHA is easily
recognized, integrated, and utilized by the body’s cells. Healthy phospholipid levels are important to maintaining normal
levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), serum triglycerides, and cardiovascular health as well. Phosphatidylcholine (PC)—
the major phospholipid found in Lipicare—is highly concentrated in the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys.[10] PC is a source of
choline for acetylcholine production and may directly support cardiovascular health by participating in the metabolism of
homocysteine.[11,12] Lipicare’s marine phospholipids are a concentrated 53-58% purified phospholipid (PPL), 80% of which
occurs as phosphatidylcholine.
Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Krill, a coldwater marine crustacean, is a rich source of omega-3 EPA and DHA.
Krill oil has been used in several human clinical trials, and research consistently suggests that krill omega-3 phospholipids
support antioxidant activity, healthy cell membranes, healthy blood lipids, and the normal response to inflammation.[13-15] Krill
is low on the food chain and is considered a sustainable source of nutrients. Precautionary catch limits are established by
the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).[16]
Astaxanthin As a red-orange member of the carotenoid family, astaxanthin provides antioxidant activity. Both animal and
clinical research suggest that astaxanthin supports antioxidant mechanisms as well as a healthy response to inflammation.
[17] Krill is recognized as a rich source of astaxanthin and a potentially valuable contributor to cardiovascular health.[14]