Two Supplements Important to Senior’s Health

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Two Supplements Important to Senior’s Health

A study finding that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (found in Shaklee’s OmegaGuard) and lutein with zeaxanthin (found in Shaklee’s CarotoMax) could save American senior citizens $5.6 billion in health care costs during the next five years has resulted in the formation of a bipartisan Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus.

The Lewin Group, a Falls Church, Va.-based health care consulting firm, conducted the study, commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance. A similar study, which found that regular intake of calcium and folic acid could save more than $15 billion in health care costs over five years, was released in 2004.

The Lewin Group analyzed hundreds of studies conducted over the last 30 years on omega-3s and lutein with zeaxanthin. The group concluded that an 1,800 milligram daily dose of omega-3s (equal to two servings of Shaklee’s OmegaGuard) could reduce coronary heart disease in people over age 65, resulting in 384,303 fewer hospitalizations over the next five years and a consequent $3.1 billion savings in health care expenditures.

Seniors who take 6 milligrams to 10 milligrams a day of lutein with zeaxanthin (equivalent to taking two Shaklee CarotoMax a day) could reduce their susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), The Lewin Group found. During the next five years, that would result in 98,219 fewer people losing their independence because of advanced AMD, saving $2.5 billion in care giving costs.

SOURCE: Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXVI/number 12/p. 7

Ed. Note: These studies highlight how it’s never too late to get the health benefits from a good nutrition program.

It is essential that your fish oil supplement be pharmaceutical grade to assure potency and purity. Many non-pharmaceutical grade fish oil contains contaminants including: