Harry Steenbock
Biochemist – Vitamin D
8/16/1886 – 12/15/1967
Key Achievement
In 1923, Steenbock demonstrated that irradiation by ultraviolet light increased the vitamin D content of organic materials. After irradiating rodent food, Steenbock discovered that the rodents were cured of rickets. It is now known that vitamin D deficiency is a cause of rickets.
Steenbock patented his irradiation technique then assigned the patent to the Wisconsin Alumni Reasearch Foundation (WARF). WARF was founded through the efforts of Steenbock and nine other UW–Madison alumni. By the expiration of the patent in 1945, rickets had all but been eliminated.
He was one of the eleven founding members of the American Institute of Nutrition, now the American Society for Nutrition.
Steenbock patented his irradiation technique then assigned the patent to the Wisconsin Alumni Reasearch Foundation (WARF). WARF was founded through the efforts of Steenbock and nine other UW–Madison alumni. By the expiration of the patent in 1945, rickets had all but been eliminated.
He was one of the eleven founding members of the American Institute of Nutrition, now the American Society for Nutrition.
Connection to Wisconsin
Professor Steenbock received his BS, MS and PhD degrees from UW–Madison, joined the UW faculty in 1916 and remained at UW for his entire career.
For additional information, visit:
Harry Steenbock in Wikipedia
For additional information, visit:
Harry Steenbock in Wikipedia