Fish oil use could cut EU healthcare costs

More widespread, regular consumption of omega-3 supplements could save healthcare systems and providers in the EU a total of €12.9 billion a year, according to a study commissioned by Food Supplements Europe.

Researchers at Frost & Sullivan explored the financial benefits of the consumption of omega-3 EPA+DHA food supplements among people aged 55 and over. This demographic group, representing 157.6 million people – or 31% of the total EU population – is considered to be at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Overall, it is forecast that in the EU 24% of people aged 55 and over (38.4 million people) are in danger of experiencing a CVD attributed hospital event between 2016 and 2020. This is expected to cost as much as €1.328 trillion over this five-year period – equivalent to €34,637 per event.

However, an analysis indicates that more widespread daily consumption of 1,000mg of omega-3 EPA+DHA fish oil among individuals aged 55 plus would result in more than 1.5 million fewer CVD attributed hospital events across the EU between now and 2020, generating total cost savings of €64.5 billion – or €12.9 billion per annum.

The results of the study are detailed in a new report, The Healthcare Cost Savings of Omega 3 Food Supplements in the European Union.

Food Supplements Europe chair Ingrid Atteryd says, “This healthcare cost savings study shows very clearly that billions of euros could be saved by encouraging people aged 55 plus to use omega-3 food supplements regularly to reduce their risk of developing CVD. Communicating this message through official advice at both EU and national level, as well as via healthcare professionals and the media, could have a major positive impact on people’s wellbeing, while also significantly cutting the cost burden on healthcare systems and providers.”