Brits will drink an estimated 41% more in December than the annual monthly average with hangover cures being in high demand.
But, new laboratory research has revealed that people are unaware that they are actually putting their health at risk when they reach for supposedly healthy vitamin effervescent tablets that are high in sodium which is linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a compound made up of sodium (40%) and chlorine (60%).
Adults should consume no more than 2.4g sodium per day, which is equivalent to 6g salt.
The average sodium content of each tablet was revealed to be the equivalent of 2.1 bags of crisps; 17 per cent of a person’s upper daily limit.
Average salt intake in the UK is 8.1g, which is above the recommended intake and this can increase your risk of high blood pressure (a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Thirty one percent of the salt intake in the UK comes from foods including white bread (11%), puddings (9%), bacon and ham (7%), and also savoury sauces, pickles, gravies and condiments (6%)
The research, undertaken as part of a survey commissioned by Healthspan, the UK’s number one direct supplier of vitamins and minerals, to launch its new Ruby Breakfast Vitamin C effervescent, examined the salt equivalent content of popular brands’ effervescent tablets, including Berroca and Boots and found that many of their Effervescent tablets contain the equivalent of more salt than two packets of Ready Salted crisps.
Dr Sarah Brewer GP, author of Eat Well Stay Well, says: “NHS Choices already advise everyone whether or not they have high blood pressure to reconsider taking effervescent vitamin supplements or effervescent painkillers because they contain high levels of sodium.
“Research clearly points to the implications this has on both short-term and long term health in terms of high blood pressure that can cause damage to your artery walls, resulting in inflammation, plaque buildup, and the potential for stroke and heart disease. “
Research also carried out by Healthspan found that 90 per cent recognised the effect that salt had upon blood pressure, yet only 50 per cent admitted to checking food labels to monitor their consumption and less than a third would actually bother to check any health supplement products they were buying.
Dr Sarah Brewer, GP on behalf of Healthspan added: “During the month of December alone around 30 glasses of wine, 22 pints of beer with an average consumption of 62 units and 4,000 calories are consumed in the run up to Christmas.
“And research shows people are taking effervescent tablets as a ‘go-to’ hangover cure because they rehydrate plus vitamin C helps combat fatigue and tiredness but by doing so some people are consuming nearly 20% of their daily salt allowance.’
Despite almost 60 per cent of people saying they take vitamin C effervescent tablets to help boost immunity, combat the common cold or give them more energy, a staggering 85 per cent were unaware that their daily tablet contained sodium.
Although vitamin C is involved in immunity it has not been shown to deter the common cold.
However, research shows that vitamin C may help to reduce the seventy and duration of the virus.
Because vitamin C is water soluble, it is one of the most commonly ‘overtaken’ supplements available, with 25 per cent of people admitting to taking more than one vitamin C effervescent per day.
Which brands come out the worst?
Rob Hobson, Healthspan’s head of nutrition concludes: “Each of these products contain a startling amount of sodium, which many consumers are unaware of.
“This may be a concern, if you suffer from high blood pressure, which prompted us to create a low sodium version using the very latest manufacturing process that allows new Ruby Breakfast Effervescent Tablet to sparkle but without the addition of sodium-containing salts that contain less that 1 per cent of your daily salt allowance.”
“The latest National Diet and Nutrition Surveys (NDNS) show that only 27% of adults aged 19-64 meet the 5-a-day recommendation for fruit and vegetables.
“This is worrying, as fruit and veg are the main dietary source of vitamin C; a lack of which has been linked to an increase in conditions such as scurvy."
