European researchers, using data from The Netherlands, France and Sweden, have published a study which analyzes the health economics of increased dairy foods and related reduction in risk of osteoporotic fractures in individuals over age 50. The study was based on a new analytical model that links nutrition and fracture risk, and health economics.
Dairy, Fractures, and Health Economics
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Study co-author Professor René Rizzoli, professor of medicine and head of the Division of Bone Disease at the University Hospitals of Geneva, said in the November 14, 2012 news release, “Despite the fact that the effects of foods on health are recognized, there are no accepted and proven methodologies to assess the health-economic impacts of foods on the general population. Although this model may be further refined, it does provide a straightforward and easy-to-use method to assess the health-economic impact of food products on health, well-being and costs.”
“Dairy Foods and Osteoporosis: An example of Assessing the Health-Economic Impact of Food Products” has been published online in the scientific journal Osteoporosis International.
The researchers calculated the number of disability-adjusted life years lost due to hip fractures associated with low nutritional calcium intake and the number of hip fractures that could potentially be prevented each year with intake of additional dairy products. The benefits were highest in France with 2, 023 prevented hip fractures, followed by Sweden (455) and the Netherlands (132). This represents a substantial health cost savings of approximately 129 million, 34 million and 6 million Euros in these countries, respectively.
“Our study likely underestimates the potential cost savings of increased dietary calcium in that it relies on existing figures for the senior population and does not take into account the long-term benefits to the younger generation, ” said Dr. Rizzoli.
He added, “Adequate nutritional intake and regular exercise during childhood and adolescence, both necessary for the development of peak bone mass, may contribute to bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.”
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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