Leading Article: Anyone for a magic potion?

Popeye ate spinach. Asterix drank herbal tea. Rowers and long- distance runners gorge on pasta. For centuries, athletes and warriors have relied on the powers of their food and drink to make them strong. Now the Ministry of Defence has developed its own magic potion to turn our soldiers and sailors into superheroes.

But could there be another motive? What with defence cuts and private finance initiatives, the MoD needs every penny it can get. Hot on the heels of alcoholic glue and isotonic brew, the next new drink to hit the high street could be Martial-ade. Who says the public sector can't innovate?