Casimir Funk
Casimir Funk | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kazimierz Funk February 23, 1884 Warsaw, Poland |
| Died | November 19, 1967 (aged 83) Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Citizenship | Poland, United States |
| Alma mater | University of Bern |
| Known for | Nutritional research, formulation of the concept of vitamins |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biochemist and medical researcher |
| Institutions | Pasteur Institute Lister Institute Funk Foundation for Medical Research |
Casimir Funk (Polish: Kazimierz Funk [kaˈʑimjɛʂ ˈfuŋk]; February 23, 1884 – November 19, 1967) was a Polish biochemist generally credited with being among the first to formulate the concept of vitamins after publishing a landmark medical writing in 1912. He highlighted these "vital amines" (or "vitamines") as critical in fighting significant diseases such as pellagra and rickets, and his analysis influenced a major shift in scientific thinking. His scientific work involved research in Poland, France and the United Kingdom. In 1920, he became a citizen of the United States where he continued his work.