Deaths on February 8

Nevin Scrimshaw, American scientist (b. 1918)

Nevin Stewart Scrimshaw (January 20, 1918 – February 8, 2013) was a profoundly influential American food scientist and a distinguished Institute Professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Over his remarkable 95-year life, Scrimshaw dedicated his extensive career to combating global malnutrition, particularly focusing on the critical challenges faced by communities in the developing world.

A Life Dedicated to Global Nutrition

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nevin Scrimshaw emerged as a pivotal figure in the field of human nutrition and public health. His pioneering work spanned decades, establishing foundational principles and practical solutions that continue to impact millions worldwide. Scrimshaw's scientific contributions were instrumental in understanding and addressing the complex interplay of diet, disease, and societal well-being.

Pioneering Research on Nutritional Deficiencies

A cornerstone of Scrimshaw's work involved developing innovative nutritional interventions and advocating for strategies to alleviate widespread deficiencies. He was particularly focused on protein-energy malnutrition, iodine deficiency, and iron deficiency, which were, and in many regions remain, significant public health burdens. His research demonstrated the synergistic relationship between malnutrition and infection, highlighting that inadequate nutrition weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases, and conversely, infections worsen nutritional status. This critical insight transformed public health approaches to global hunger.

• Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM): Scrimshaw's early work helped define and combat conditions like kwashiorkor and marasmus. He championed the development of protein-rich food supplements and the improvement of local diets, often utilizing indigenous resources.
• Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD): Recognizing the devastating effects of iodine deficiency, including goiter and irreversible brain damage (cretinism), Scrimshaw became a staunch advocate for universal salt iodization. This simple yet highly effective public health measure, which involves adding small amounts of iodine to table salt, has since been adopted globally and is considered one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent IDD.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: He also addressed iron deficiency, a widespread nutritional problem contributing to anemia, fatigue, and impaired cognitive development, particularly among women and children in low-income settings.

Institutional Leadership and Global Impact

Scrimshaw's legacy extends beyond his scientific findings; he was also a remarkable institution builder, creating platforms for sustained research, education, and implementation in nutrition:

• Department of Nutrition and Food Science at MIT: He founded this department, transforming MIT into a leading center for advanced research and education in food science and human nutrition.
• Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP): Scrimshaw played a crucial role in establishing INCAP, based in Guatemala City, in 1949. This institution became a vital hub for nutrition research and public health initiatives across Central America. Under his guidance, INCAP conducted groundbreaking studies on malnutrition in the region and developed practical solutions, such as Incaparina, a low-cost, high-protein food supplement, which served as a model for similar interventions worldwide.
• Nevin Scrimshaw International Nutrition Foundation (NSINF): He later founded the NSINF (now known as the Nevin Scrimshaw International Nutrition Foundation at the University of California, Davis), which continues his mission of promoting international nutrition and food security through research, education, and policy advocacy.

Extensive Publications and Accolades

His scholarly output was immense and highly influential, including over 20 books and monographs, alongside hundreds of peer-reviewed articles. These publications not only documented his groundbreaking research but also shaped the academic discourse and practical application of human nutrition and food science globally.

Scrimshaw's lifelong dedication was recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

• Bolton L. Corson Medal (1976): Awarded by The Franklin Institute for his pioneering work and leadership in industrial research, particularly in the development of nutritious food technologies.
• World Food Prize (1991): Often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture," this award honored Scrimshaw for his extraordinary contributions to improving the quality, quantity, and availability of food worldwide. His work on protein-energy malnutrition and the interaction of nutrition and infection was specifically cited as profoundly impacting global health and agricultural policies.

Nevin Scrimshaw spent his final years on a farm in Thornton, New Hampshire, where he passed away peacefully at the age of 95, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of scientific discovery and humanitarian impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevin Stewart Scrimshaw

Who was Nevin Stewart Scrimshaw?

Nevin Stewart Scrimshaw was a highly acclaimed American food scientist and Institute Professor emeritus at MIT, renowned for his extensive work in human nutrition and public health, particularly in addressing malnutrition in developing countries.

What were Nevin Scrimshaw's main contributions to nutrition science?

His primary contributions included pioneering research on the synergy between malnutrition and infection, developing nutritional supplements and strategies to combat protein, iodine, and iron deficiencies, and championing large-scale public health interventions like universal salt iodization.

What institutions did Nevin Scrimshaw establish or help found?

He founded the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at MIT, played a crucial role in establishing the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), and founded the Nevin Scrimshaw International Nutrition Foundation (NSINF).

What major awards did Nevin Scrimshaw receive?

He was awarded the Bolton L. Corson Medal in 1976 and the prestigious World Food Prize in 1991, recognizing his significant global impact on food security and public health nutrition.

How did Nevin Scrimshaw's work impact the developing world?

His research and advocacy led to practical, scalable interventions, such as food fortification and dietary improvements, that dramatically reduced the prevalence of specific nutritional deficiencies and improved the health and cognitive development of millions in low-income countries.