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Conrad Elvehjem

Biochemist – Nutrition Research
May 27, 1901 – July 27, 1962
Key Achievement
Conrad Elvehjem was internationally known as a biochemistry research scientist. He identified niacin and another vitamin that are two of the three components of the vitamin B3 complex. His research demonstrated that the lack of these vitamins is responsible for a disease that is called pellagra in humans.

Many other aspects of the importance and function of vitamins and minerals are documented in nearly 800 research papers on biochemistry and nutrition that list Elvehjem as a coauthor.

Connection to Wisconsin
Elvehjem was born and educated in Madison. He earned his BS, MA and PhD from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He spent his entire career at UW, progressing from research assistant to professor and serving in several administrative positions. At the time of his death, he was the president of the university.


For additional information, visit:



Conrad Arnold Elvehjem Biographical Memoir – National Academy of Sciences (ebook)

Conrad Elvehjem in Wikipedia