title: Evidence-based estimation of health care cost savings from the use of omega-3 supplementation among the elderly in Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  By the year 2050, thirty-eight percent of the Korean population will be over the age of 65. Health care costs for Koreans over age 65 reached 15.4 trillion Korean won in 2011, accounting for a third of the total health care costs for the population. Chronic degenerative diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), drive long-term health care costs at an alarming annual rate. In the elderly population, loss of independence is one of the main reasons for this increase in health care costs. Korean heath policies place a high priority on the prevention of CHD because it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
  
  
  METHODS
  This evidence-based study aims to the estimate potential health care cost savings resulting from the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Potential cost savings associated with a reduced risk of CHD and the medical costs potentially avoided through risk reduction, including hospitalizations and physician services, were estimated using a Congressional Budget Office cost accounting methodology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The estimate of the seven-year (2005-2011) net savings in medical costs resulting from a reduction in the incidence of CHD among the elderly population through the daily use of omega-3 fatty acids was approximately 210 billion Korean won. Approximately 92,997 hospitalizations due to CHD could be avoided over the seven years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation in older individuals may yield substantial cost-savings by reducing the risk of CHD. It should be noted that additional health and cost benefits need to be revisited and re-evaluated as more is known about possible data sources or as new data become available.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Education Major, Graduate School of Education, Sangmyung University, Seoul 110-743, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Yun
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Department of Senior-Friendly Industry, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Chungbuk 363-700, Korea.
authors.forename: Wu Seon
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: BiofoodCRO Co., Ltd. Seoul 120-160, Korea.
authors.forename: Sewon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodeamun-gu, Seoul 120-750, Korea. ; Biofood Network, Seoul 120-750, Korea.
authors.forename: Oran
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kwon
keywords: Cost-effectiveness; elderly; functional food; health cost; omega-3 fatty acid