In a meeting on November 2nd, the results of the Lewin Group’s latest research on the healthcare cost savings of dietary supplements were released. The supplements examined in this particular study included omega 3 fatty acids and lutein with zeaxanthin. Over a five-year period the research group claims savings of $3.1 billion and $2.5 billion respectively, resulting from reduced hospitalizations, physicians’ visits and avoided transitions to dependency.

The study’s key findings centered upon how omega 3 fatty acids and lutein with zeaxanthin allow seniors to avoid common conditions, such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), helping them live independently longer and reducing the level of disability associated with these conditions. The Lewin Group’s analyses of existing research studied the health effects of the two supplements as they relate to reduction in risk of disease progression for adults over age 65. Using Congressional Budget Office cost accounting rules, Lewin calculated a conservative five-year savings estimate.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: In 2002, the American Heart Association, using Federal survey data, estimated that 13 million Americans (or nearly 7% of the U.S. population) suffer from CHD, which disproportionately affects older Americans. The average age Americans experience a first heart attack is 65.8 for men and 70.4 for women. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognized the efficacy of omega 3 fatty acids in dietary supplements for preventing CHD by issuing a qualified health claim. The Lewin Group estimates potential five-year (2006-2010) savings in health care expenditures resulting from a reduction in the occurrence of CHD among the over age-65 population through daily intake of approximately 1800 milligrams of omega 3 is $3.1 billion. Approximately 384,303 hospitalizations and physician fees due to CHD could be avoided over the five-year period.

Lutein with Zeaxanthin: Visual impairment is one of the top four reasons for loss of independence. Age-related diseases of the eye are common (e.g., 35% of individuals aged 75 and older have AMD) and costly. For example, 18% of all hip fractures among seniors have been attributed to age-related vision loss. The transition to greater dependency, whether through getting more help at home or through moving to a nursing facility, places considerable financial burden on the older person, his or her family, and the healthcare system. The Lewin Group estimates five-year (2006-2010) net savings from avoided transitions to dependency associated with a reduction in the relative risk of AMD through daily intake of 6-10 milligrams of lutein with zeaxanthin to be $2.5 billion. Across the five-year period, approximately 98,219 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.

Underscoring the important health and cost benefits of dietary supplements for the U.S. seniors, members of Congress moved one step closer to recognizing the role of dietary supplements in the health regimen of Americans at the November 2nd meeting, as Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) announced the creation of a bipartisan caucus on dietary supplements, which he will co-chair with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ). Rep. Cannon introduced H.R. 1545 earlier this year, which would allow supplement costs to be paid by Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). “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 Cannon. “Clearly, there’s cause for additional research and sound public policy supporting these products, which greatly benefit American consumers and taxpayers alike.”