The origin of the term "vitamin"
It was the Polish scientist Casimir Funk who postulated that the compound that prevented the disease beri-beri was an organic compound with an amine group. He believed that other diseases like scurvy and rickets would also be cured and prevented by other vital amines in food.
He came up with the name ‘vitamines’, but this term quickly lost the ‘e’ when it became clear his hypothesis was wrong. Vitamin C, which stopped scurvy is an acid and vitamin D, which put an end to rickets is actually a hormone. So, you can thank Casimir for the enduring term vitamin.
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There is so much conflicting advice about nutrition and health. We make every effort to cut through the confusion to arm you with useful tips and simple explanations to help you feel more comfortable with your food decisions.
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About Glenn
- Glenn Cardwell
- Perth, WA, Australia
- Glenn is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with 30 years in clinical and public health nutrition, including 10 years as consultant dietitian to the National Heart Foundation, five years at the Children's Hospital in Sydney and was a major player in establishing the WA School Canteen Association in 1994. He began his nutrition consultancy company, Nutrition Impact P/L, in 1996. www.glenncardwell.com
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