Casimir Funk

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Casimir Funk (February 23, 1884 – November 19, 1967) was a Polish biochemist who is best known for his pioneering work in the field of vitamins. He is often credited with coining the term "vitamin" in 1912, which he derived from "vital amine," reflecting his belief that these compounds were essential for life and contained an amine group.

Early Life and Education

Casimir Funk was born in Warsaw, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He studied at the University of Bern in Switzerland and later at the University of Paris in France, where he earned his doctorate in chemistry.

Career and Research

Funk's most significant contribution to science was his research on vitamins. In 1912, while working at the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine in London, he isolated a substance that he believed could prevent beriberi, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). This discovery led him to propose the existence of other essential nutrients, which he collectively called "vitamines."

Funk's work laid the foundation for the discovery of other vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin D, and the B vitamins. His research had a profound impact on the field of nutrition and helped to establish the importance of vitamins in maintaining health and preventing disease.

Later Life and Legacy

After his groundbreaking work on vitamins, Funk continued to work in the field of biochemistry and nutrition. He held various academic and research positions in Europe and the United States. Funk's contributions to science were recognized with numerous awards and honors.

Casimir Funk passed away on November 19, 1967, in Albany, New York. His legacy lives on through his pioneering research, which has had a lasting impact on the fields of biochemistry and nutrition.

See Also

• Vitamin
• Thiamine
• Nutrition
• Beriberi
• Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine