Washington, D.C.—A new economic report released on February 13 by market research group Frost & Sullivan demonstrates that supplementing with B vitamins may lower the number of hospitalizations related to coronary heart disease (CHD).

Commissioned through a grant by the Council for Responsible Nutrition Foundation (CRNF), based here, the report, entitled, Smart Prevention—Health Care Cost Savings Resulting from the Targeted Use of Dietary Supplements, shows how preventative intake levels of B vitamins may reduce the risk of costly hospitalizations for people over 55 with CHD. For only 11 cents a day, the report says, the 808,225 CHD-related medical events estimated to occur in the next seven years could be avoided, saving money for both individuals and society.

Frost & Sullivan researched peer-reviewed, published studies involving the relationship between B vitamin intake and a risk of CHD-related medical events. They then applied a cost-benefit analysis to determine the possible savings if adults over 55 with CHD took B vitamins at preventative levels.

Research has found that B vitamins, including B6, folic acid and B12, help support healthy homocysteine levels; high homocysteine levels are a risk factor for blood clot formation and hardening of the arteries.

Steve Mister, president of CRNF, says smart prevention is key, and that people should talk with their doctor about how lifestyle choices can “minimize the chance of experiencing a costly CHD-related event. According to this economic report,” Mister adds, “taking B vitamins is something to consider.”

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, April 2014 (online 2/24/14)