Researchers have discovered that people who take over-the-counter soluble painkillers on a regular basis are consuming as much as 150% of the recommended daily limit on salt.
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People who regularly take paracetamol/with or without codeine, asprin and ibuprofen are 22% more likely to suffer a stroke and 28% are more likely to die early.
Paracetamol clocked in the highest amount of salt; the equivalent to 18 packets of crisps. Asprin, Ibuprofen and Calcium gluconate came in at 50%, 50% and 33%.
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The study, conducted by the University College London and the University of Dundee are urging pharmaceutical manufacturers to print warning label on the tablets to warn consumers of the high salt content if they take the full daily dose of tablets (usually 8 tablets over the course of 24 hours).
The choice of soluble painkillers is a popular option among consumers as they are easier to swallow and enter the body faster. But the fizzing effect which is created by soluble painkillers is salt dissolving in the water.
Adults with chronic illness, such as arthritis, rely on painkillers for ease with their condition and supplements, such as calcium, are regularly taken by pregnant women.
Researchers looked at 1.29 million patient records obtained from GP’s across the UK to carry out the investigation.
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