Select supplements could save $24 billion in health care costs

A research study commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA) shows that over the next five years, appropriate use of select dietary supplements would improve the health of key populations and save the nation more than $24 billion in healthcare costs.

The study conducted by the Lewin Group examined four supplements with extended scientific research literature: calcium with vitamin D, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein with zeaxanthin. Key study findings include:

Calcium with Vitamin D: Appropriate use of calcium with vitamin D for the mature population shows potential reductions of approximately 776,000 hospitalizations for hip fractures over five years. The five-year estimated net cost associated with avoidable hospitalization for hip fracture is approximately $16.1 billion.

Folic Acid: If just 25% of American women who are of childbearing age and not taking folic acid, began taking 400 mcg. of folic acid daily, neural tube defects could be prevented in as many as 600 babies. This could result in savings of nearly 350,000,000 the first year. Over five years $1.4 billion could potentially be saved with daily folic acid supplementation.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Due to its actions in reducing the occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD), daily intake of approximately 1,800 mg of omega-3 could save $3.2 billion through avoidance of about 375,000 hospitalizations in the 65 and over age group.

Lutein with Zeaxanthin: Through daily intake of 6-10 mg of lutein with zeaxanthin, it is estimated that $3.6 billion could be saved over 5 years by helping people with age related macular degeneration avoid dependency. Across the five year period, approximately 190,927 individuals could avoid the transition to dependence either in the community or a nursing facility that would accompany a loss of central vision resulting from advanced AMD.

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