Save $5.6 Billion in Health Care Costs with Omega-3 and Lutein

A 2005 study has determined that supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids and lutein with zeaxanthin could save American senior citizens $5.6 billion in health care costs during the next five years. To receive your share of the savings, keep reading.

The study was commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance and released November 2005. It was conducted by The Lewin Group, a health care consulting firm. A similar study which found that regular intake of calcium and folic acid could save more than $15 billion in health care costs over five years was released in 2004.

The Lewin Group analyzed hundreds of studies conducted over the last 30 years on omega-3. They concluded that an 1,800 mg daily dose of omega-3 could reduce coronary heart disease in people over age 65, resulting in 384,303 fewer hospitalizations over the next five years and a consequent $3.1 billion savings in health care expenditures.

Seniors who take 6 to 10 mga day of lutein with zeaxanthin could reduce their susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), The Lewin Group found. During the next five years, that would result in 98,219 fewer people losing their independence because of advanced AMD, saving $2.5 billion in caregiving costs.

“As more and more Americans start taking responsibility for their own health, it’s important that government acknowledge the positive impact dietary supplements have on disease prevention, and the substantial cost benefits to the healthcare system that result,” said Congressman Chris Cannon (R-Utah). “Clearly, there’s cause for additional research and sound public policy supporting these products, which greatly benefit American consumers and taxpayers alike.”

Source:

http://www.supplementinfo.org/anm/articlefiles/265-FINAL_DSEA_%20FACT_SHEET.pdf

Key concepts: omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, long-term health care cost savings