Economic evaluation of vitamin D and calcium food fortification for fracture prevention in Germany

Abstract

Vitamin D and Ca food fortification is an economically beneficial preventive health strategy that has the potential to reduce the future health burden of osteoporotic fractures in Germany. The implementation of a vitamin D and Ca food-fortification programme should be a high priority for German health policy makers because it offers substantial cost-saving potential for the German health and social care systems.

The projected public health and economic impact of vitamin D fortified dairy products for fracture prevention in France

“…In addition, the cost per QALY gained of the appropriate intake of dairy intake compared to the absence of appropriate intake is expected to decrease from €58,244 in 2015 to €42,616 in 2060, and the intervention will therefore become even more cost-effective. In another study, Sandmann et al [9] also suggested a higher benefit of food fortification program in Germany in the future, with an annual net savings from a vitamin D and calcium food fortification program increasing by €17 million to €332 million by the year 2025 and by €63 million to €378 million by the year 2050.…”

“…We used a previously validated Markov microsimulation model that was specifically designed to assess the public health and economic impact of vitamin D fortified dairy products for fracture prevention in the French general population aged over 60 years in the year 2015 [7]. The model has been previously described and extensively used to assess the public health and economic impact of anti-osteoporosis medications [9,10]. The model simulates over lifetime the number of fractures (including hip, clinical vertebral, wrist, other), life years, QALY and healthcare costs of interventions.…”

“…In recent years, several economic evaluations have been conducted to assess the public health and economic impact of anti-osteoporosis medications [4]. With the increasing recognizing of the value of calcium and vitamin D to protect bone health, several studies have assessed the public health and economic impact of vitamin D fortified dairy products [5][6][7][8][9]. Dairy products are rich in nutrients that are essential for good bone health, including calcium, vitamin D, protein, potassium, phosphorus, and other micronutrients and macronutrients that are known to positively influence bone and muscle homeostasis, hence fracture risk.…”

Getting underneath the skin: A community engagement event for optimal vitamin D status in an ‘easily overlooked’ group

“…Our event noted tentative support for fortification, which merits further in‐depth exploration and consideration of alternative methods of delivery (ie mouth spray, skin delivery systems). National fortification offers a cost‐effective preventative strategy for reduced health burden but remains unpalatable in the face of population resistance with freedom of choice, coercion, safety and trust as commonly highlighted concerns …”

Knochenstoffwechsel im Alter

“…Es konnte berechnet werden, dass durch eine Anreicherung von 800 Internationalen Einheiten (I. E.) Vitamin D (empfohlene Zufuhr der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ernährung für die Allgemeinbevölkerung) in den täglichen Nahrungsmitteln, jährlich 36 705 Frakturen verhindert und so 315 Mio. € eingespart werden könnten [35] [38].…”