Harry Steenbock

Harry Steenbock

Harry Steenbock (August 16, 1886 – December 25, 1967) was an American biochemist who is best known for his discovery of the process to increase the vitamin D content of foods through irradiation. This discovery had a significant impact on public health, particularly in the prevention of rickets.

Early Life and Education

Harry Steenbock was born in Charlestown, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1910 and his Ph.D. in 1916. His doctoral research focused on the role of carotenoids in animal nutrition.

Career and Research

Steenbock joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1916, where he conducted groundbreaking research in the field of biochemistry. His most notable achievement came in the 1920s when he discovered that exposing foods to ultraviolet light could significantly increase their vitamin D content. This process was particularly effective in fortifying milk, which helped combat the widespread issue of rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D Fortification

Steenbock's discovery of vitamin D fortification through irradiation was a major advancement in nutritional science. He demonstrated that ultraviolet light could convert the precursor of vitamin D in foods into the active form of the vitamin. This process was patented in 1924, and the rights were assigned to the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), which was established to manage the patent and fund further research at the university.

Legacy

Harry Steenbock's work had a lasting impact on public health and nutrition. The process he developed for vitamin D fortification is still used today, and his contributions to the field of biochemistry are widely recognized. In addition to his scientific achievements, Steenbock was instrumental in the establishment of WARF, which continues to support research and innovation at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Steenbock received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and public health. These include:

• The Lasker Award in 1946
• The Perkin Medal in 1951

Personal Life

Harry Steenbock remained dedicated to his research and the advancement of science throughout his life. He passed away on December 25, 1967, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and public service.

See Also

• Vitamin D
• Rickets
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation