Billions of dollars in health care costs could be saved if Americans with heart disease took Omega 3 fish oil supplements, according to a new study.

The report, conducted by global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, estimates that nearly $4 billion in total costs through the year 2020 would be eliminated if all Americans aged over 55 with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) took Omega 3 at preventive intake levels.

It's the equivalent of avoiding more than one million hospital events over seven years, according to the study which was supported by a grant from the Council for Responsible Nutrition Foundation (CRNF).

Furthermore, the researchers discovered that only 28% of this targeted population currently takes omega-3 supplements such as Omega 1500, rated as one of the highest quality Omega 3 fish oil supplements in the U.S.  The Omega 3 research was part of the Frost & Sullivan report "Smart Prevention--Health Care Cost Savings Resulting from the Targeted Use of Dietary Supplements."

The evidence for Omega 3 supplementation from a health standpoint--especially with regard to heart disease--has been growing for years. When you go on to quantify it in terms of cost savings it further validates supplementation. The U.S. is dealing with enormous health care challenges and supplementation is a preventive measure that can be of enormous all-round benefit.

Shockingly, the same study discovered that seven out of 30 leading brands contained levels of Omega 3s that were an average of 20 percent less than the total amount declared. At least eight products contained less of either docosahexaenoic (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) than claimed on packaging.

Omega 1500 contains three times more DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) than most other brands in the market. It is purified through one of the most sophisticated molecular distillation processes available and also is infused with lemon oil so there's no fishy aftertaste, while there is optimal absorption.

In addition to protection against heart disease, numerous studies have shown that Omega 3 fish oil supplements are also essential for the health of the brain and nervous system, skin and hair. Benefits have also been seen for the joints, eyes and immune system. Additionally, Omega 3s may lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease.