Axel Holst

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Axel Holst 02

Axel Holst (1860–1931) was a Norwegian physician and professor of hygiene and bacteriology. He is best known for his pioneering work in the field of nutrition and his contributions to the understanding of scurvy.

Early Life and Education

Axel Holst was born on September 6, 1860, in Christiania, now known as Oslo, Norway. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Oslo, where he graduated with a degree in medicine in 1884. Holst furthered his education in Germany, where he studied under prominent bacteriologists and hygienists.

Career

Holst began his career as a physician in Norway, but his interest in public health and hygiene led him to academia. In 1893, he was appointed as a professor of hygiene and bacteriology at the University of Oslo. During his tenure, he conducted extensive research on various infectious diseases and public health issues.

Research on Scurvy

Axel Holst is particularly renowned for his research on scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. In collaboration with Theodor Frølich, Holst conducted experiments on guinea pigs, which led to the discovery that scurvy could be prevented and cured by the administration of certain foods rich in vitamin C. This groundbreaking work was published in 1907 and significantly advanced the understanding of nutritional deficiencies and their impact on human health.

Legacy

Holst's contributions to the field of nutrition and public health have had a lasting impact. His research on scurvy paved the way for further studies on vitamins and their role in preventing diseases. Holst's work is considered foundational in the field of nutritional science.

Personal Life

Axel Holst was married and had children. He continued to work and teach until his death on April 26, 1931, in Oslo, Norway.

Related Pages

• Scurvy
• Vitamin C
• University of Oslo
• Nutrition
• Public health
• Bacteriology

Categories

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