Charles Glen King, American biochemist and academic (b. 1896)

Charles Glen King: A Pioneer in Nutritional Science and the Vitamin C Saga

Charles Glen King (October 22, 1896 – January 23, 1988) was a distinguished American biochemist whose groundbreaking contributions profoundly shaped the field of nutrition research. Renowned for his meticulous scientific work, King is most notably recognized for his pivotal role in the isolation of vitamin C, a discovery that occurred almost simultaneously with the independent efforts of the Hungarian-American biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi.

The Breakthrough: Isolating the Anti-Scurvy Factor

In 1931, while working at the University of Pittsburgh, Charles Glen King successfully isolated a crystalline substance from lemon juice that he definitively identified as the long-sought-after anti-scorbutic factor – the substance preventing scurvy. His findings, published in April 1932, were monumental. At nearly the same time, though his initial work on the compound predated King's, Albert Szent-Györgyi had isolated a compound he named "hexuronic acid" from adrenal glands and, later, from paprika. However, Szent-Györgyi did not immediately recognize its critical biological function as the anti-scurvy vitamin until after King’s announcement and subsequent collaborative efforts.

The compound King identified was later chemically characterized and named ascorbic acid, a name derived from "a-" (meaning no) and "scurvy" to denote its role in preventing this debilitating disease. King's precise identification of the compound's biological activity was crucial in establishing its status as a vital nutrient.

The Debate Over Discovery Credit

The simultaneous nature of these groundbreaking investigations led to a longstanding discussion regarding the rightful attribution of the vitamin C discovery. While Albert Szent-Györgyi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1937, partly for his work on vitamin C and biological oxidation, many biographies and scientific historians argue that Charles Glen King merits equal credit for this monumental achievement. King’s unique contribution was his unequivocal identification of the isolated substance as the specific factor preventing scurvy, thus linking the chemical compound directly to its essential nutritional role.

This perspective underscores the complexity of scientific discovery, where isolation of a compound and the elucidation of its biological function are both critical steps. King's work provided the definitive proof of the substance's anti-scurvy properties, a crucial piece of the puzzle that completed the understanding of vitamin C.

Beyond Vitamin C: King's Broader Contributions to Nutrition

Charles Glen King's legacy extends far beyond his work with vitamin C. His pioneering spirit in nutrition research helped establish the field as a rigorous scientific discipline. He served as the first scientific director of The Nutrition Foundation from 1942 to 1963. In this influential role, King played a significant part in:

• Promoting and funding critical nutrition research across various institutions.
• Fostering collaboration between academic scientists and the food industry to improve public health through better understanding of nutrients.
• Advocating for evidence-based nutritional guidelines.

His leadership at The Nutrition Foundation significantly advanced the understanding of other essential vitamins and minerals, ultimately contributing to improved public health and dietary practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Glen King and Vitamin C

Who was Charles Glen King?

Charles Glen King was a prominent American biochemist (1896-1988) widely recognized as a pioneer in nutrition research, primarily for his role in the isolation and identification of vitamin C as the anti-scurvy factor.

What was King's specific contribution to the discovery of vitamin C?

King successfully isolated vitamin C (ascorbic acid) from lemon juice in 1931-1932 and was the first to unequivocally identify this isolated compound as the specific factor that prevents scurvy. This crucial identification of its biological function was a key breakthrough.

How does King's work relate to Albert Szent-Györgyi's?

Both scientists worked independently on isolating the compound. Szent-Györgyi had isolated "hexuronic acid" (which was vitamin C) earlier but initially without realizing its anti-scurvy properties. King's breakthrough was identifying the anti-scurvy function of the isolated substance. Their work, though distinct, culminated in the full understanding of vitamin C.

Why do some argue King deserves equal credit for vitamin C's discovery?

The argument stems from the fact that while Szent-Györgyi isolated the compound, King was pivotal in identifying its specific biological role as the anti-scurvy vitamin. For many, "discovery" entails both isolation and functional identification, making King's contribution equally foundational.

What is ascorbic acid?

Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for vitamin C. The name "ascorbic" reflects its ability to prevent scurvy (from Greek "a-" meaning "no" and "scorbutus" meaning "scurvy").