Omega 3, benefits that are worth billions of euros
Omega 3, benefits also on finances. Essential fatty acids found mainly in fish are a panacea for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. According to a report by FSA, Food Supplement Europe, the European Association of Producers of supplements food, a supplement in the diet of the population over 55 of one g of Omega 3 would give economic benefits equal to almost € 13 billion per year, thanks to lower healthcare costs.
The study predicts that in the next five years around 24% of this group of Europeans will have to resort to hospital services for a cardiovascular disease, for a total of over 38 million events. This amount of treatment would be reduced by 4,9%, with a saving of € 64,5 billion in the five-year period 2016-2020, with the intake of the suggested dose of Omega 3.
The beneficial effects are well documented by 18 controlled and randomized clinical studies, and EPA and DHA already have several indications (so-called health claims) approved by the EU for the maintenance of normal levels of triglycerides in the blood, blood pressure and heart function ( with 1 g / day). Therefore FSE selected them for the first economic analysis that quantifies the impact of nutrients and / or food supplements on health budgets in Europe.
