'While we wait for a vaccine [against COVID-19], we need to rely on our bodies to fight off the virus and build up our line of defense,' said Devan CEO Sven Ghyselinck. How? By building up immunity, which Devan aims to support through its novel R-Vital multivitamin for textiles.
R-Vital is a range of fabric treatments designed to integrate into textiles for the topical delivery of actives. The latest microencapsulates incorporate vitamins C, E and ginger for immunity-boosting properties, which responds to the renewed consumer focus on health and wellness in light of COVID-19.
According to the company, the microencapsulated actives are applied to fabric and, upon contact with skin, are released by friction. The nutrients are then said to absorb into the body for further systemic delivery.
The technology was first launched at Heimtextil in 2018 with actives including Q10, thyme oil, aloe vera and others. More recent additions include CBD, avocado and echinacea.
Related to the multivitamin launch, the company cites a recent study published in Nutrients showing that dietary supplements such as vitamin C are effective in helping the immune system fight off COVID-19. This research was conducted by Adrian Gombart of Oregon State University‘s (OSU) Linus Pauling Institute, along with collaborators at the University of Southampton (UK), the University of Otago (New Zealand) and University Medical Center (The Netherlands).
“Vitamin C has roles in several aspects of immunity, including the growth and function of immune cells and antibody production,” said Gombart, professor of biochemistry and biophysics in the OSU College of Science and a principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute.
Marleen van der Auwera, business unit manager for Devan, added, “Vitamin C is an antioxidant, ... protecting skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. Vitamin E is an antioxidant as well, and may to help protect cells from damage. We also included ginger in the blend because it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties.”
Ghyselinck furthered, “We have also learned from the lockdown that consumers increasingly invest in health and wellness-related textile products. ...Brands who are into smart digital marketing have shown that these products can generate successful and profitable business."
