Lee Swanson Research Update

A Multivitamin a Day Keeps the Doctor’s Bills at Bay

November 2003

The Lewin Group has reported that daily multivitamin intake may help people reduce healthcare costs in the future. In particular, adults over 65 taking a multivitamin might be able to avoid hospitalization associated with conditions such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, in addition to myocardial infarction.

A Study of the Cost Effects of Daily Multivitamins for Older Adults stated, "Suboptimal intake of some vitamins, above levels causing classic vitamin deficiency, is a risk factor for chronic diseases and common in the general population, especially in the elderly."

Researchers also stated that having low levels of folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects and colon and breast cancers. In addition, low levels of vitamin D contribute to osteopenia and fractures, while low levels of vitamins A, C and E may increase the risk of several chronic diseases.

The report concluded that the daily use of a multivitamin by individuals over 65 would help them maintain better health and therefore spend less on healthcare. "Within a health insurance context, the five-year estimate of potential net savings resulting from daily multivitamin intake for adults over 65 is approximately $1.6 billion (in Medicare savings)."

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