Virol facts for kids
Virol was a special health supplement from Britain, popular in the 1900s. It was a thick, brown syrup designed to help babies and children grow strong and healthy. It was sometimes spelled as ViRoL.
What Was in Virol?
Virol was made from a mix of interesting ingredients. Originally, it included:
- Red marrow: This came from the bones of cows and calves.
- Beef fat: A refined type of fat from cows.
- Malt: This is made from grains like barley. It contains special helpers called amylases that turn starches into sugars.
- Eggs: A common food item.
- Lemon syrup: For flavor and vitamins. Later, orange juice was used instead.
- Phosphates: These are minerals important for bones and teeth.
All these ingredients were mixed together to create a nutrient-rich product. The way it was made helped keep the vitamins inside.
Who Made Virol and When?
Virol was first created in 1899 by a company called Bovril in London. It started as an experiment to make a good nutritional supplement for babies.
- Early Days: A separate company was set up in 1900 just to make Virol.
- Growing Popularity: As more people wanted Virol, production moved to a bigger factory in Perivale in the 1920s.
- New Versions: Before World War II, a version called "Virol and Milk" was made. It was similar to another popular drink called Horlicks.
- Stopping Production: During World War II, it became too hard or expensive to get the ingredients, so production stopped for a while.
- After the War: Virol started being made again after the war. Over the years, different companies owned the brand, including Cavenham Foods, Janks Brothers, and Optrex.
- The End: Virol was eventually stopped completely in the 1980s.
How Was Virol Used and Advertised?
Virol was shown at the British Industries Fair in 1929, a big event where companies showed off their products.
- For Children: Virol was mainly made to help infants and children get enough nutrients. Some people who grew up in the 1940s remember a "Virol Lady" visiting their schools. She would give spoonfuls of the sweet, sticky brown syrup to children who brought a penny.
- Different Uses: While mostly for health, Virol was also suggested for other things:
* As a "nerve tonic" for people feeling nervous or down. This version was called "Virol and Milk." * As a mild laxative (to help with digestion) under the name "Virolax."
- Advertisements: Virol was advertised on colorful metal signs. These signs said things like:
* "Anaemic girls need it" * "Growing boys need it" * "School children need it" * "Delicate children need it" * "For health and vitality"
An advertisement in Punch magazine in 1950 showed a boy giving a girl a piggyback ride. The slogan said, "CHILDREN GROW STRONG ON VIROL. Virol is the food for growth. It provides these essential food factors – not vitamins alone, but also many others just as important – which are likely to be deficient in the rest of the diet. Give Virol after every meal. Children love the flavour of Virol and they thrive on it."
