Companies everywhere are thinking about launching products with immune health benefits.  One of the ingredients proven to actually work is vitamin D, which has enjoyed a spike in consumer interest thanks to studies flagging up its potential to combat Covid-19.

Inspired by the pandemic and the challenges for people of getting enough vitamin D, soft-drink company Radnor is launching Radnor Vits, a sugar-free RTD designed to deliver daily vitamin D.

“When we heard that 20 per cent of the British population is deficient in vitamin D, and that this is a growing problem thanks to Lockdown and people staying indoors, we decided to create a new daily drink to help tackle the problem,” said William Watkins, owner and managing director of Radnor.

“Our new drink, designed as your once-a-day vitamin and minerals boost, increases your daily intake of vitamin D and other recommended vitamins and minerals up to 200%.”

Radnor is targeting listings in supermarkets and health stores as well as care homes and hospitals. Vits – which comes in Lemon & Lime and Apple & Raspberry flavours - is also available to buy as a three-pack from Radnor’s own online shop and from Amazon, costing £0.99 ($1.37).

As well as vitamin D, the drink also contains other vital vitamins and minerals. Radnor says Vits’ benefits include:

• Vitamin D – Contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function, cell division, teeth and bones.
• Copper - Contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues.
• Folic Acid - Helps make healthy red blood cells
• Selenium - Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, nails, immune system, and thyroid function.
• Zinc – Contributes to metabolism, brain function and normal.

According to Radnor, UK bodies Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advise that 10 micrograms of vitamin D are needed every day for healthy bones and muscles. “Everyone is advised to take a vitamin D supplement between October and March, when the sun is too low in the sky for our bodies to naturally make vitamin D from sunlight.”

Over the past year, says the company, there have been reports about vitamin D potentially reducing the risk of coronavirus and the Government is keeping a close eye on the results of trials currently underway.