The Lewin Group, Inc., commissioned by DSEA to produce the second in a series of health impact studies of dietary supplements, has released a final report summarizing their findings. This report reveals that two dietary supplements, omega-3 fatty acids and lutein/zeaxanthin, could save the U.S. Healthcare System $5.6 billion over five years. These savings reflect the potential for avoiding hospitalizations and achieving greater independence for more than 500,000 people.

The report, titled An Evidence-Based Study of the Role of Dietary Supplements in Helping Seniors Maintain their Independence, finalizes the data collected by the Lewin Group and presents the projected savings from these supplements. “Our research shows a great potential for reducing health care costs,” said Joan DaVanzo, a Vice President at the Lewin Group.

The Lewin Group, a national health care and human services consulting firm owned by Quintiles Transnational, performed the study by examining existing research on select dietary supplements and developed estimates of potential health care savings that could result from daily use of these supplements.

Health care savings outlined in the report reflect the lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) with omega-3 fatty acids and reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with lutein with zeaxanthin.

With projected U.S. healthcare costs at nearly $16 trillion per year by 2030, the potential for reducing these costs and for allowing senior citizens to retain their independence is promising. “The Lewin Group Studies make clear, in science-backed, quantitative data, the economic value of dietary supplements,” said Jon Benninger, DSEA President. “The real potential of dietary supplements for saving money in health care costs is made clear, and the potential to improve public health is even more compelling.”