World’s first 'Vitamin D' water launched in UAE

A bottled water with Vitamin D will be available in the UAE supermarkets for those battling the sunshine vitamin deficiency.
The orange colored 'Al Ain Vitamin D' bottle was launched in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday during the International Water Summit held as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Manufacturers Agthia Group said it is the world's only water bottle with Vitamin D, and without any preservatives, flavours or colours.
Speaking at a press conference at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre, Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia, said: "We have closely studied Vitamin D deficiency, an issue that remains a key health concern in the Middle East, and developed Al Ain Vitamin D, a product that not only hydrates but also supplements a portion of the daily intake of Vitamin D."
Priced at Dh2, a 500ml bottle of the Al Ain Vitamin D delivers 50 IU of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of the vitamin, and 330ml bottle supplies 33IU of the RDA. The water will be available at all major retail chains in the UAE, said the CEO.
Rabih Kamleh, senior vice president, R&D Quality Assessment, said the water is a convenient supplement to a balanced diet and lifestyle, rather than a singular solution to Vitamin D deficiency.
Over 78 per cent of UAE residents suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, raising the risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, some cancers, and multiple sclerosis, as well as infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.
"Exposure to sunlight is rather low in the region due to a preference for indoor activities that is attributable to the hot summer months. With sedentary lifestyles and poor food habits adding to this, such deficiency can also result in a number of health implications, but innovative products such as Al Ain Vitamin D can help safely address this pressing issue," said Abdulla Abdul Qadir Al Meini, director general, Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority (ESMA).
Maryam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Mehairi, Minister of State for Food Security, stressed the importance of joint efforts of the private sector, the government and the community in driving positive change and growth. "I see the three as pillars of the triangle of progress, each complementing the other. I take this opportunity to urge the private sector and the community to work towards innovative solutions that help truly transform the world and touch people's lives," she said.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com