Casimir Funk’s Revolutionary Work in Nutrition and Biochemistry Honored on 140th Birthday

Today, on February 23, Google commemorates the 140th birthday of Casimir Funk, the groundbreaking biochemist known for his remarkable contributions to nutrition and biochemistry.

Born in Warsaw, Poland in 1884, Funk traveled to Switzerland for his education in biology and chemistry before embarking on a career that spanned across Europe and eventually led him to New York City.

Funk’s pioneering work centered around the concept of vitamins and essential nutrients crucial for human health, with his research focusing on diseases like rickets, pellagra, scurvy, and cancer.

In 1911, Funk experimented with thiamine, also known as B1, creating tiny edible crystals that played a key role in cellular development and function, leading to the term “vitamines” which later became shortened to vitamins.

After moving to New York City in 1915 and obtaining American citizenship in 1920, Funk continued his research at various universities before joining the US Vitamin Corporation as a consultant, culminating in the publication of his book ‘Die Vitamine.’

Aside from his vitamin discoveries, Funk delved into the study of peptic ulcers, diabetes, hormones, and cancer biochemistry, leaving a lasting impact on the field of health and nutrition.

Casimir Funk’s legacy lives on through awards like the Casimir Funk Natural Sciences Award presented by the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America, honoring his pioneering work and influence on the scientific community.