The disappearance of Virol

Back in the 1940s, schools had ladies come in giving a spoonful of a sticky brown sweet syrups to school children via spoons strung across a massive key ring. These ladies were coined ‘Virol Ladies’; and their job was to nourish young children post-war.

In conjunction with good ol’ cod liver oil and dried milk as nourishment for growing children, Virol remained a firm favourite amongst children due to its malty sweet taste!

But what is Virol? And where is it now?

Virol was a by-product of the brewing industry packed full of nutrients, malt, sugar and vitamins such as riboflavin. Due to its concentrated nutritious content, Virol has been heavily marketed for anaemic girls, growing boys, and delicate children.

Its popular use has seen Virol penned down in a poem:

Cornwall In Childhood

Come, Hygiene, goddess of the growing boy,
I here salute thee in Sanatogen!
Anaemic girls need Virol, but for me
Be Scott’s Emulsion, rusks, and Mellin’s Food,
Cod-liver oil and malt, and for my neck
Wright’s Coal Tar Soap, Euthymol for my teeth.

An advertisement for Virol

Timeline of Virol’s use in the world

• 1899 Virol was produced experimentally by Bovril, in their Old Street factory in London.
• 1900 The company was registered on 20 January, to take over the business of manufacturing and selling the food known as Virol.
• 1900s Demand grew and Bovril set up Virolas a separate company.
• 1920 The production of Virol moved to Perivale, Middlesex, where the premises were larger and more modern.
• 1929 Listed Exhibitor — British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Virol, *Virol*ax, Virol and Milk. (Stand Nos. K.21 and K.32)
• Pre-WWII. Virol became associated with Ambrosia to produce Virol and Milk in direct rivalry with Horlicks.
• WWII. Sometime during the wartime period, production ceased as it proved too costly to manufacture.
• Post-WWII. Virol changed hands several times.
• 1971 Bovril, (and therefore Virol) was taken over by Cavenham Foods.
• 1977 Virol was sold to Janks Brothers of High Wycombe.
• 1979 Optrex bought Virol
• Post 1980s Virol disappeared from shelves

Although Virol seems to have disappeared, Australians can continue to obtain the same benefits via Saunder’s Malt Extract available in Woolworths Supermarkets across Australia.

What’s the relevance of malt extracts such as Virol in today’s world?

Is it the answer to our undernourished fussy eaters, or a blast to the past for the post-war population?

Dietitian Sian Porter, spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association, says: “Malt extract contains some protein, calories, vitamins and minerals and easily digested, simple sugars.” A tablespoon “would give some nutrients and it wouldn’t be harmful”, she adds.

Dr Sovra Whitcroft, consultant gynaecologist at the Surrey Park Clinic, Guildford, is more cautious. She says a spoonful taken first thing would cause a surge in blood glucose, just as sugary breakfast cereals do, triggering an increase in the hormone insulin (which regulates blood glucose). This can lead to a slump in energy levels, a craving for more sugar and, in the long term, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

“If you do want to use it or give it to your children, make sure you combine it with a protein-rich breakfast, such as scrambled eggs, which will take longer to digest, leaving the body less vulnerable to blood sugar surges,” says Dr Whitcroft.

Cod liver oil also contains the omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, essential to normal growth in children and also associated with other health benefits. So if malt extract is still the most palatable way to get some fish oils into our kids, perhaps it’s time to break open a jar. Just brush your teeth afterwards.