Vitamin History, the Early Years

The term "vitamine" was first used 101 years ago in 1912. What were later to be known as vitamin-deficiency diseases, such as scurvy, beriberi, night blindness, xeropthalmia, pellagra, pernicious anemia and rickets, had plagued the world since the existence of written records. The book contains 10 chapters and traces each vitamin from an unidentified factor to its discovery and synthesis.

The book contains pictures of very serious consequences and magnitude of vitamin deficiency diseases. Likewise, the book contains levity by illustrating humorous situations on causes and cures of these diseases. The purpose of the present publication is to present an in depth review of the early history of vitamins to illustrate the devastation of these diseases and also provide some levity.

Author Bio: The author of the book, Dr. Lee McDowell is a nutritional professor at the University of Florida. In nutrition research he has published over 1500 scientific articles and has written 7 books. Five different nutrition courses have been taught, with a graduate vitamin nutrition course offered over 25 years. During this time period he wrote two editions of a vitamins textbook for his graduate class and for courses at other universities. Dr McDowell is a "Fellow" of two International Societies and has won many awards in teaching and research. From one society he won the highest award available for research (Morrison Award). Internationally Dr. McDowell is well known having made 271 different country visits since 1971. He has given over 500 major talks in 42 different countries. "Early Vitamin History", presented in a humorous way, is his most favorite topic.

keywords: Vitamins, History, Beriberi, Night Blindness, Xeropthalmia, Scurvy, Rickets, Pellagra