Horst Bickel

Horst BICKEL (1918-2000)

Horst Bickel (1921–2000) was a German pediatrician and researcher known for his pioneering work in the field of metabolic disorders. He is particularly renowned for his contributions to the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that affects the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Horst Bickel was born in Germany in 1921. He pursued his medical education at the University of Heidelberg, where he developed an interest in pediatric medicine and metabolic diseases.

Career and Research[edit | edit source]

Bickel's most significant contribution to medicine came in the 1950s when he, along with his colleagues, developed a dietary treatment for phenylketonuria. PKU is a condition where the body cannot break down phenylalanine, leading to its accumulation in the body, which can cause severe intellectual disability if left untreated.

Phenylketonuria Treatment[edit | edit source]

In 1953, Bickel, working with Evelyn Hickmans and John Gerrard, formulated a low-phenylalanine diet that could manage the symptoms of PKU. This diet involved the use of a special formula that was low in phenylalanine but contained all other essential nutrients. The introduction of this dietary treatment was a groundbreaking development in the management of PKU and has since become the standard treatment for the disorder.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Horst Bickel's work has had a lasting impact on the field of pediatrics and the management of metabolic disorders. His contributions have improved the quality of life for countless individuals with PKU and have paved the way for further research into dietary treatments for other metabolic conditions.