Link Between Increased Intake Of Calcium, Reduced Hip Fractures, And Cost Savings – Study

French and Dutch researchers have developed a simplified method of assessing the economic impact of food products containing calcium on health, well-being and costs. Their study specifically analyzed the health economics of increased dairy food consumption and reduced bone fracture risk among people over age 50. The researchers calculated time lost because of hip fractures associated with low calcium intake and the number of hip fractures that might be prevented if calcium intake were to increase. Using their model, they found that the benefits were highest in France with 2,023 prevented hip fractures, followed by Sweden (455) and the Netherlands (132). Health cost savings would be about €129 million, €34 million and €6 million respectively in these countries.