Grace Arabell Goldsmith

Grace Arabell Goldsmith (1900–1975) was an American physician and nutritionist known for her pioneering work in the field of nutrition and public health. She made significant contributions to the understanding of vitamin deficiencies and their impact on human health.

Early Life and Education

Grace Arabell Goldsmith was born in 1900 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Newcomb College, where she developed an interest in the sciences. She later attended Tulane University School of Medicine, earning her medical degree in 1928.

Career

After completing her medical degree, Goldsmith joined the faculty at Tulane University and began her research in nutrition. She was particularly interested in the role of vitamins in preventing diseases. Her work in the 1930s and 1940s was instrumental in identifying the causes and treatments for various vitamin deficiencies.

Research on Pellagra

One of Goldsmith's most notable contributions was her research on pellagra, a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3). She conducted extensive studies on the dietary habits of populations affected by pellagra and demonstrated that the disease could be effectively treated and prevented with niacin supplementation. Her findings were crucial in reducing the incidence of pellagra in the United States.

Work on Other Vitamin Deficiencies

In addition to her work on pellagra, Goldsmith also studied other vitamin deficiencies, including beriberi (caused by a deficiency of thiamine, or vitamin B1) and scurvy (caused by a deficiency of vitamin C). Her research contributed to the broader understanding of the importance of vitamins in maintaining health and preventing disease.

Legacy

Grace Arabell Goldsmith's work had a lasting impact on the field of nutrition and public health. She was a pioneer in the study of vitamin deficiencies and their treatment, and her research helped to establish the importance of vitamins in the human diet. Goldsmith's contributions to medical science have been recognized by numerous awards and honors throughout her career.

Personal Life

Goldsmith was known for her dedication to her work and her commitment to improving public health. She remained active in her research and teaching until her death in 1975.

See Also

• Nutrition
• Public health
• Vitamin deficiency
• Pellagra
• Niacin