William H. Sebrell Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William H. Sebrell Jr.
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| 7th Director of the National Institutes of Health | |
| In office October 1, 1950 – July 31, 1955 |
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| President | Harry S. Truman Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Preceded by | Rolla Dyer |
| Succeeded by | James Augustine Shannon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 11, 1901 Portsmouth, Virginia |
| Died | September 29, 1992 (aged 91) Pompano Beach, Florida |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Virginia |
William H. Sebrell Jr. (born September 11, 1901 – died September 29, 1992) was an important American scientist who studied nutrition. He helped us understand how food affects our health and how to prevent diseases caused by poor diet.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William H. Sebrell Jr. was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. He went to the University of Virginia for his college degree. After that, he studied medicine at the same university. He became a medical doctor in 1925.
A Career in Health Science
In 1926, Dr. Sebrell joined the Public Health Service (PHS). This is a part of the U.S. government that works to protect public health. He worked at the Hygienic Laboratory in Washington, D.C.. This laboratory later became known as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Discovering Nutrition's Secrets
Dr. Sebrell became a world expert on nutrition. He was the first to identify a disease called ariboflavinosis. This disease happens when someone does not get enough riboflavin, which is a type of vitamin B.
He also worked with Dr. Joseph Goldberger. Dr. Goldberger showed that a disease called pellagra was caused by not eating enough of certain foods. Dr. Sebrell made many discoveries about how diet affects health.
Helping During World War II
During World War II, Dr. Sebrell helped lead the National Nutrition Program. This program made sure that people had enough food. It also helped keep civilians healthy during the war.
In 1948, he became the director of a special institute at the NIH. Then, on October 1, 1950, he was chosen to be the main director of the NIH. He held this important job until July 31, 1955.
Working for Global Health
Dr. Sebrell helped create the first international rules for nutrition. These rules were for the League of Nations, an organization that worked for world peace. He also helped health departments in cities and states start using scientific nutrition in their work.
After leaving the NIH, Dr. Sebrell helped start the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University. In 1971, he joined Weight Watchers, a company that helps people manage their weight.
Later Life and Death
Dr. William H. Sebrell Jr. passed away on September 29, 1992. He died from cancer at his home in Pompano Beach, Florida.
