Dr. Victor Herbert, 75; Experimented on Self to Prove Anemia Link

Dr. Victor Herbert, 75, whose experiments on himself linked a shortage of folic acid to a type of anemia, died Tuesday in New York City of cancer.

While conducting research at Harvard University four decades ago, Herbert began to doubt the prevailing view that anemia caused by a folic-acid shortage was limited to alcoholics who did not eat properly and to people with digestive disorders.

Herbert began a diet that included no folic acid, which is found in fruits and leafy vegetables. Within about seven months, he developed mild megaloblastic anemia, a condition that causes fatigue, headaches and diarrhea.

The experiment is credited with establishing the link. Today, megaloblastic anemia is recognized as a global problem. In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began requiring that folic acid be added to all food grains.

Herbert was born in New York City and earned his bachelor’s in chemistry at Columbia University. He later earned an MD there as well as a law degree. He served as a medical officer in the Army during World War II.