Last Updated: 03 Jan, 2025 | Views: 187
Age: 83
Profession: Doctor
Other Profession(s): Biochemist
Famous For: Father of Vitamin Research
Higher Education: University of Bern
About (profile/biography)
Casimir Funk revolutionized nutritional science by discovering vitamins in 1912, coining the term "vitamine" and establishing the foundation of modern nutrition science. A pioneering biochemist, his work fundamentally changed our understanding of diseases like beriberi, scurvy, and pellagra, establishing the connection between nutrition and health.
Casimir Funk Career Milestones:
• 1904: Obtained chemistry degree from University of Bern
• 1904-1906: Research at Pasteur Institute, Paris
• 1911-1915: Lister Institute, London (Discovery of vitamins)
• 1915-1923: Led research at Harriman Research Laboratory, New York
• 1923-1927: Director at Casa Biochemica, Poland
• 1928-1939: Established Funk Foundation for Medical Research
• 1940-1967: President of U.S. Vitamin Corporation
Casimir Funk Awards & Recognition:
• Poland's Prime Minister Award for Science
• Copernicus Prize for Medical Achievement
• Honorary doctorate from American International Academy
• Mead Johnson Award for Nutrition Research
• National Academy of Sciences Special Recognition
Casimir Funk Unknown Facts:
• Published his first scientific paper at age 17 on the synthesis of organic compounds, while still in high school.
• Conducted early research in his home laboratory, converting his bedroom into a makeshift chemistry lab against his parents' wishes.
• Spoke seven languages fluently and often wrote research papers in different languages to reach broader scientific audiences.
• Initially faced strong rejection of his vitamin theory, with many leading scientists dismissing his work as "too simple to be true."
• Kept detailed food diaries throughout his life, meticulously recording the nutritional content of everything he ate.
• Survived World War II by fleeing Europe with only his research notes hidden in his son's toy bear, leaving behind his entire laboratory.
• Created the first vitamin concentrate in his home kitchen, using rice polishings and a coffee grinder.
• Continued active research until his final days, working on vitamin synthesis projects at age 84.
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