FROM VITAFOODS GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
The overarching theme at Vitafoods this year is that of healthy ageing – whether through food and drink that contains ingredients beneficial to joint and eye health, skin health, heart health or digestive health, it seems we all want to live longer, healthier lives and are prepared to pay for it.
Patrick Coppens of European Union (EU)-related Food Supplements Europe says that, of the 508 million people in the EU, one-third is aged over 55. A simple dietary change such as through intake of fish oil could save €13 billion a year in health costs.
The sad fact is that, of these 508 million, 40% suffer from high blood pressure and 46% from high cholesterol levels. These risk factors suggest a strong disposition to suffer a cardiovascular event, which, according to research from Frost & Sullivan, will cost the EU £1.33 trillion over five years.
It apparently costs €34,000 to treat one cardio disease event, yet if over 55s use omega-3 supplements regularly, the total cost saving is €64.5 billion. All it requires is daily consumption of 1,000mg of EPA and DHA omega-3 for a risk reduction of almost 5%, saving 1.5 million events and all the pain and heartache that this entails.
As omega-3 has positive EFSA opinions, it seems silly not to take heed. And the for the manufacturers out there the potential is substantial.
It can be in natural fish, fishy products such as pâtés and spreads and more functional applications such as drinks and desserts – the opportunity is vast.
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