Kemin, Des Moines, IA, maker of FloraGLO Lutein and ZeaONE Zeaxanthin, applauded the findings of a new study released Sept. 23, which suggested that the use of supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin could result in $7.4 billion in health care savings in the U.S. between now and the year 2020.

The study, “Smart Prevention—Health Care Cost Savings Resulting from the Targeted Use of Dietary Supplements,” by the research firm Frost & Sullivan, examineed the link between the use of key dietary supplements and the reduction of healthcare costs associated with four separate disease-related conditions in people over the age of 55. The study included a scientific assessment that provides a critical review and ranking of the relevant scientific literature for specific supplements to determine if there is an association between supplement intake and risk reduction of disease, as well as an economic analysis that determines potential net healthcare savings from the use of the reviewed dietary supplements due to avoided disease-related medical costs.

The study identified age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, both considered Age-Related Eye Disease (ARED), as primary causes for vision impairment and blindness, conditions that threaten a large percentage of the elderly population in the U.S. The report cited that in the U.S. population of adults aged 55 and older, there is an expected event rate of AMD of 2.8% and of cataract of 33%.

“Over the next 15 years, age-related eye diseases are expected to triple due to an aging population and longer life expectancies,” said Heather Richardson, Kemin product manager of FloraGLO brand lutein and ZeaONE brand zeaxanthin. “The Frost & Sullivan study accurately points out that lutein and zeaxanthin supplements are a small investment when it comes to increasing your quality of life, maintaining your independence and reducing potential costly health events.”

Based on its review of the research literature on lutein and zeaxanthin, Frost & Sullivan determined that multiple research studies support the use of lutein and zeaxanthin as having a preventative effect on AMD. The preventative healthcare cost savings from lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation found in the study do not capture the significant physical and emotional distress, and the overall decline in quality of life that can result from ARED.

The study estimated $7.4 billion in net savings over the next seven years from a reduction in the number of ARED incidents through the use of lutein with zeaxanthin. In those seven years, AMD incidents could be reduced by 23%, equating to 115,000 fewer incidents, and cataract incidents could be reduced by 15.3%, amounting to 7,659,000 fewer incidents, all through the use of dietary supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin at preventive intake levels. While the study acknowledged that there is no government–recognized daily intake level for lutein and zeaxanthin, it referenced the American Optometric Association recommendation of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin, daily, to achieve eye health benefits based on recent scientific studies, and considers these as preventative intake levels in its analysis.

Lutein and zeaxanthin can be obtained through the diet by eating green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, and foods such as corn, eggs and peppers. However, research shows most Americans only get 10% of the lutein and zeaxanthin needed each day from dietary sources—just a fraction of the amount needed to protect their eyes as they age.

Sourced naturally from marigold flowers, FloraGLO and ZeaONE are trusted sources of quality lutein and zeaxanthin dietary ingredients that are found in leading eye supplements.