Posted on July 15th, 2010 by Craig Maltby, Editor
Taking supplements may save billions in U.S. health care costs
When I worked for a manufacturer of the natural carotenoid lutein (good for the eyes), I was involved in a study project conducted by the Natural Products Foundation and the Lewin Group.
The study examined the body of published research for several nutritional supplement compounds – Lutein, Calcium, Vit. D, Fish Oil. Based on a well-described methodology, the study’s authors predicted the dollar savings based on preventive benefits that could be realized if people who were ideal candidates (based on health/demographic profiles) to benefit from these ingredients would consume them as recommended by manufacturers.
The most recent study update came out this summer. Total cost savings are now estimated to be $24 billion. Gosh, I wonder what would happen if an ingredient such as EpiCor were to be added to the study. Could there be a monetary metric applied to reductions in cold and flu symptoms that are evidenced in various clinical trials? Dollars saved through less sick time from school or jobs could be one measurement. Who knows?
July 16th, 2010 at 8:24 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ProActive Health, Craig Maltby. Craig Maltby said: Some projected cost metrics for #supplement consumption in U.S. http://bit.ly/aBGhXd Yes, preventive health can save real dollars. [...]
July 19th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
we need socialist health care like sweden!