Omega-3 supplements could save over 13 billion euros annually for the European Union

Europe could save 12.9 billion euros each year in healthcare costs if all citizens over 55 years of age consumed daily omega-3 supplements. In the next five years, 38 million hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases are expected, each costing the EU around 35,000 euros. Alongside the protective role of EPA and DHA against heart risk, a significant economic benefit emerges, which cannot be overlooked by European policy makers.

This finding is highlighted in a report commissioned by Food Supplements Europe (FSE), an organization advocating for EU policies to recognize the role of dietary supplementation in health. The report, published on May 10, was conducted by market research firm Frost & Sullivan.

Omega-3 and cardiovascular risk: effects confirmed by numerous studies

Cardiovascular diseases encompass a group of heart and blood vessel conditions and are among the leading causes of death in industrialized countries. In Italy, they account for 44% of all deaths. Risk factors include age, sex, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Many risk factors are modifiable by adopting a healthy lifestyle, particularly a diet low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish. Regular consumption of fatty fish rich in omega-3s (such as mackerel, salmon, and herring) is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, as demonstrated by decades of research. Epidemiological and clinical studies show EPA and DHA lower risks of heart attacks, cardiac death, and strokes.

The renowned Italian "GISSI" study, conducted on over 11,000 patients surviving myocardial infarction, showed omega-3 treatment reduced mortality from heart attacks by 10-15% and sudden cardiac death by 40%. Omega-3s act by preventing and counteracting cardiovascular risk factors such as high triglycerides, hypertension, high cholesterol, and arrhythmias. Their benefits arise from multiple mechanisms, including:

• Improving cell membrane fluidity and stimulating relaxation of the endothelium, lowering blood pressure.
• Regulating platelet aggregation and inflammation, limiting atherosclerotic plaque formation.
• Reducing heart susceptibility to arrhythmia and lowering blood triglycerides.

Hospitalizations reduced by 4.8% leading to savings for National Health Systems

To better understand the value of omega-3 supplementation for European citizens, FSE commissioned economic consultants to assess healthcare cost savings potentially derived from EPA and DHA supplements. The report, "The Healthcare Cost Savings of Omega 3 Food Supplements in the European Union," analyzed data from 18 clinical studies linking omega-3 use to lower cardiovascular-related hospitalization and surgery costs. Results suggest cardiovascular hospital admissions in Europe could decrease by 4.9% if all EU citizens over 55 consumed 1 gram daily of EPA and DHA.

This would save 12.9 billion euros annually in healthcare costs across Europe, totaling 64.5 billion euros over five years. The analysis highlights that appropriate omega-3 supplementation policies could substantially reduce the financial burden on EU healthcare budgets. Over the next five years (2016-2020), 38.4 million hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease are forecasted among EU adults and elderly. Nearly 24% of those over 55 will require hospital treatment for cardiac causes, costing Europe 34,637 euros per patient, representing a tremendous strain on the EU health budget.

Patrick Coppens, FSE's director of regulatory and scientific affairs, emphasized that such figures will be hard for EU policymakers to ignore and underlined the role of dietary supplements in healthcare.

This economic analysis is the first of its kind in Europe regarding this issue, offering a novel perspective by combining scientific evidence with clear economic benefits. The cardiovascular health advantages of omega-3 are well documented, and the EU has approved health claims recognizing EPA and DHA’s importance for maintaining normal blood triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and heart function.

20% of European at-risk population already consumes omega-3 supplements

This economic assessment clarifies the potential healthcare cost savings achievable through 1 gram daily EPA and DHA supplements. Currently, about 20% of Europeans over 55 already take omega-3s, drawn by their health benefits. Omega-3 supplements were chosen for this initial FSE economic analysis due to their extensive scientific validation, but future reports will evaluate other nutrients.

Omegor Meaquor 1000: high-content omega-3 supplement

Among various fish oil supplements by U.G.A. Nutraceuticals that support heart health, Omegor Meaquor 1000 is a highly purified and concentrated source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Each capsule contains 900 mg of EPA and DHA combined. It is especially suitable for those aiming to maintain normal triglyceride levels and blood pressure.

Source: HEALTHCARE COST SAVINGS OF OMEGA 3 FOOD SUPPLEMENTS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION. Food Supplements Europe.