A large range of drugs and medical supplements with anti-fatigue properties have been developed over the past 50 years and Vivactyl was one of them. It was a multicomponent preparation containing vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin B12 (cobalamine), the amino acids lysine and aspartate, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), calcium glucoheptonate (a highly soluble Ca salt) and hypophosphoric acid to provide a phospho-calcic intake. A so-called “complete formula”, providing strength to people suffering from deep fatigue, anorexia, asthenia, or for recovery after surgery, or to breastfeeding women. This raspberry-flavored product was also used in children, during their period of growth. It is no longer used today, but similar preparations can be found.
The advertising which accompanied the product referred to the notion of determination, persistent activity, vigor and energy, with a drum player. The French expression “tambour battant”, literally meaning “beating the drum”, evokes the notions of energy and activity. Different illustrations of drums have been used, including the drum from Basel, decorated with the arms from the corporation of vegetable producers (market gardeners).
