Project for Integrative Health and the Triple Aim (PIHTA) - Knowledge Base

Natural Products 

Modeling Savings from Prophylactic REACT Antioxidant Use Among a Cohort Initially Aged 50-55 Years: A Canadian Perspective
Trevithick JR, Massel D, Robertson JM, Wall RExamines the economic impact from risk reduction through the use of the anti-oxidant regimen (Vitamin E, C, & beta-carotene) as studied in the Roche European-American Cataract Trial (REACT). Analysis is conducted for a cohort of 788,000 Canadians aged 50-54. The authors conclude the use of REACT supplements is a cost effective strategy to reduce costs for the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Smart Prevention - Health Care Costs Savings Resulting from the Targeted Use of Dietary Supplements: An Economic Case for Promoting Increased Intake of Key Dietary Supplements as a Means to Combat Unsustainable Health Care Cost Growth in the United States
Shanahan,C , Lorimier, RThis report highlights cost-savings related to use of dietary supplements in certain high risk populations. Specifically, the paper explores evidence on dietary supplements for four disease conditions including coronary heart disease, diabetes related coronary heart disease, age related eye disease and osteoporosis. Findings indicate that health care payers could significantly reduce hospital utilization costs as a result of using supplements known to be effective for the aforementioned diseases.

Cost Effectiveness of Natural Health Products: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Kennedy DA, Hart J, Seely DSystematic review of RCT's comparing Natural Health Products (NHP's) to conventional medication. Nine of 585 studies met inclusion criteria, and demonstrated individual cost effectiveness for a range of conditions. The authors concluded NHP's were cost effective for postoperative surgery, citing difficulty in analysis due to study consistency.

The Economic Evaluation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Setareh Tais, Erica ObergThis article provides an overview of some of the important studies examining the cost-effectiveness of CAM and naturopathic medicine. It highlights conditions such as cardiovascular disease, low back pain, fibromyalgia, chronic bowel disorders while also exploring savings realized through insurance programs and natural health products.