Nicholas Health and Nutrition says the Akta-Vite brand and the Akta-Vite chocolate food drink are “back in the family’s hands”.
The Nicholas family formulated Akta-Vite at its Victorian factory in 1943 as a nutritional supplement for children, pregnant women, the sick and the elderly. This came in response to research from the 1930s indicating that ill health was related to nutritional status and outlining the links between chronic disease and a lack of vitamins and minerals. The product was so high in vitamin content that it was originally sold only in pharmacies.
“Akta-Vite is already highly nutritious, with nine vitamins and minerals, and gives a boost of folate, calcium, thiamine, iron, riboflavin and niacin among others,” Nicholas Health and Nutrition’s Sophie Nicholas said. “Also, Akta-Vite is dairy/lactose free, low in fat and has no artificial colours or flavours.”
The Nicholas family previously formulated ‘Aspro’, an Australian aspirin, in 1915.
In 1984, Akta-Vite was sold to Sara Lee.
Ms Nicholas said Nicholas Health and Nutrition would shortly launch an improved Akta-Vite, aimed at making it one the market’s best chocolate drinks.
“Its great chocolate flavour has ensured popularity with Australian families and contributed to the brand’s success,” she said. “Nursing mothers and seniors are blogging about it being good for their health and vitality, but, to most, it simply tastes good. We’re aiming to make it even better for the next generation of Australians.”
Akta-Vite is available in Coles, Woolworths and selected independent supermarkets.