Pantothenic acid was identified in 1931 by Roger J. Williams, an American biochemist who isolated the compound while studying yeast growth factors. Williams observed that yeast required a specific substance for proper growth, which he later purified and named pantothenic acid. The name comes from the Greek word “pantothen”, meaning “from everywhere
Yeast needs pantothenic acid for growth
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Grierson–Gopalan syndrome is a clinical entity historically described in India, characterized primarily by burning sensations of the feet, often accompanied by paresthesias (tingling, numbness).
Historical Background
The syndrome is named after:
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Philip Grierson – who reported cases of unexplained burning feet among prisoners in colonial India.
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C. Gopalan – a pioneering Indian physician–nutritionist who later studied the condition extensively.
Grierson first described the phenomenon in the early 20th century, noting prisoners complaining of intense burning pain in their feet without obvious structural disease.
Gopalan's works on Indian foods also are commendable. He analysed over 500 Indian foods for their nutritive values and published a detailed study report of that. This work was used for calculating dietary in-take of all nutrients. This made India the first developing country to have its own recommended dietary allowances.
Under his leadership, India developed:
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)
National nutrition surveys
Scientific food policies: Midday meal concepts Child nutrition strategies
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