Interactive

Muriel Bell – nutritionist

Muriel Bell – nutritionist

  • Changing scientific ideas
  • Advances in research and actions
  • Biography
1851
1851
Link found between low iodine and goitre.

Iodine is shown to prevent goitre in children.

1851
Further research on iodine and goitre

Public domain

French chemist Gaspard Adolphe Chatin is first to state clearly that goitre (a swelling of the thyroid gland) is caused by iodine deficiency. Tests on children show that taking iodine can prevent goitre, but these findings are ignored.

1898
1898
Born in Murchison

Muriel’s two siblings both die before she is 8. In 1907, her mother is killed in a Wellington tram accident, which also badly injures her father.

1911
1911
At school in Nelson

Starts at Nelson College for Girls, where she is later head girl.

1916
1916
Starts university

Encouraged into further education by her stepmother. Starts a BA course at Victoria University College but transfers to University of Otago Medical School after a year.

1917
1917
Iodine helps children

American pathologist David Marine starts large-scale test on the effect of iodine on goitre in school children. By 1920, he has shown that taking iodine can prevent goitre.

1920
1920
New research prompts iodine action

Public domain. Photo by Martin Finborud (1861–1928).

In the 1920s investigations again show that taking iodine prevents goitre. This time, something is done to improve public health. Iodine is added to salt in New Zealand and other countries so it becomes part of everyone’s food.

1922
1922
First iodised salt

Switzerland becomes the first country to add iodine to salt as a way of reducing goitre in its population.

1922
Graduation

Obtains Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

1923
1923
Lecturer in physiology

Otago University and Medical School, Dunedin. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-09299-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22903249

Becomes one of the first female academics at the University of Otago Medical School. Muriel is a lecturer until 1927.

1924
1924
Iodised salt in New Zealand

Roger & Alice Montgomery, Tryon County Bookshop

Iodised salt is introduced in New Zealand, as well as America.

1926
1926
Muriel Bell goitre research

Muriel’s doctoral research is on goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. This work contributed to the introduction of adding iodine to salt.

1926
First woman MD

Becomes first woman to be awarded Doctor of Medicine at University of Otago.

1928
1928
Muriel marries

Marries James Saunders. Keeps her maiden name, as this is the one she has used in early publications.

1930
1930
Research in London

Muriel, with her husband, goes to London and carries out research on vitamins. She stays for a time as a pathologist at a hospital run by women.

1935
1935
Return to New Zealand

Becomes lecturer in physiology and experimental pharmacology at University of Otago Medical School.

1937
1937
Medical Research Council

Becomes a member of the new Medical Research Council, a post she keeps for 20 years.

1937
Board of Health

Becomes the only woman member of the Board of Health. On the nutrition committee, she looks into the diets of poor people and Māori and represents children and women. Stays on the Board until 1965.

1938
1938
Increased iodine

Level of iodine in New Zealand salt increased (remains at this level in 2013).

1939
1939
Good Nutrition

Dr Muriel Bell, of Dunedin, who has been appointed nutritionist to the Department of Health. (Evening Post, 03 October 1940). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/17692559

Becoming the first nutrition officer of the Department of Health makes Muriel a public figure. Works with scientists to increase vitamin B1 in bread. Her husband James dies this year.

1940
1940
Fluoride and tooth decay

Public domain, courtesy of USCDC

Research over the last 40 years by dentist Frederick McKay and others in America establishes link between fluoride and tooth decay.

1941
1941
War work

Over the next few years, Muriel writes over 100 articles on nutrition for The Listener, encouraging the public to eat more fruit and vegetables and less fat and sugar. Involved in wartime rationing and promoting increased vitamin C intake.

1941
Recognition

Becomes Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry.

1942
1942
Second marriage

Marries Alfred Hefford.

1945
1945
First fluoridation

First American experimental fluoridation of public water supply in Grand Rapids, Michigan. By 1950, people have fewer teeth cavities.

1945
Free school milk

Two primary school girls drinking their school milk, Linwood, Christchurch. Pascoe, John Dobree, 1908–1972: Photographic albums, prints and negatives. Ref: 1/4-000032-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23196181

Becomes the only woman member of the Central Milk Council. Pushes for provision of free school milk and the pasteurisation of milk.

1948
1948
Notes for Nurses

University of Waikato

Publishes Normal Nutrition: Notes for Nurses. The book becomes popular and is updated several times over the next 20 years.

1950
1950
More long-term research brings fluoride action

After 50 years of research and testing show positive effects, fluoride is added to many public water supplies in New Zealand and other countries during the 1950s.

1950
Cholesterol and the heart

Starts research on the link between cholesterol and heart disease.

1952
1952
Muriel Bell and fluoride

S14-589c Photograph of Dr Muriel Bell, Margaret Madill papers, r.6653. Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago.

Muriel visits America and studies experiments on adding fluoride to public water to increase dental health. On return, she fights for fluoridation in New Zealand.

1952
Royal Society

Becomes a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

1953
1953
Iodised salt works

A survey shows that goitre in New Zealand children has been greatly reduced since introduction of iodised salt.

1954
1954
Fluoride for New Zealand

Fluoride first added to public water in Hastings. At this time, New Zealand has the highest per-capita sugar consumption, and the worst teeth, in the world.

1955
1955
Fluoride in toothpaste

Kenyon, Brand and Riggs, Cottontail Toothpaste/Facecloths. K E Niven and Co: Commercial negatives. Ref: 1/2-222449-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23052767

Launch of first clinically proven fluoride-containing toothpaste in US. Fluoride had first been added to toothpaste in 1914, but its benefits were only proven after years of research.

1956
1956
Rations for the Antarctic

A shipment of eggs before loading for HMNZS Endeavour, with Sir Edmund Hillary, Mr JH Miller and Mr R Cawdrey. Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: EP/1956/2852-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23127826

Muriel prepares food rations for the men and dogs of Edmund Hillary’s 1956–57 trans-Antarctic expedition.

1957
1957
Husband dies

Muriel’s husband Alfred Hefford dies.

1959
1959
Receives CBE

Queen’s New Year’s Honours List announces Muriel as Commander of the British Empire.

1968
1968
More fluoride for New Zealand

65% of the New Zealand population that has a public water supply receive fluoridated water. Evidence shows that fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay and interferes with damaging bacterial growth.

1968
Honorary doctorate

University of Otago presents Muriel with honorary doctorate.

1974
1974
Muriel dies in Dunedin

Although officially retired, Muriel carries out nutrition work until the day she died in May 1974.

1997
1997
Iodine deficiency again?

A survey generates new interest in iodine deficiency as a health issue.

2000
2000
Benefits of iodine and fluoride confirmed

After many years of use, iodine and fluoride are confirmed as having strong health benefits.

2002
2002
Less salt in diet, so less iodine

Thyroid problems have increased in some New Zealand children. This may be linked to a reduced use of salt in the diet.

2006
2006
Support for fluoridation

The New Zealand Ministry of Health continues to support fluoridation, after reports over many years provide evidence of effectiveness and safety.

2009
2009
Iodised salt in bread

Gorgev, licensed from 123RF Ltd

Iodised salt is added to bread in New Zealand.

Find out more in the article: Iodine in our bread.

2010
2010
Growing opposition

2010 onwards some people still question the need for iodine and fluoride addition. They would prefer to have a choice rather than be forced into having the additives in their food and water.

2011
2011
Less tooth decay

Just over half of New Zealand people get fluoridated water. Tooth decay is less in fluoridated areas.

2013
2013
Continued criticism of fluoride use

Some people continue to question effectiveness and safety of fluoride use. Much of the criticism is not aimed at the science but at the ethics of enforced medication and lack of personal choice.

2016
2016
Proposed legislative changes

The government proposes the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking water) Amendment Bill, allowing district health boards (DHBs) to direct local authorities to fluoridate community water supplies. The bill has a second reading in June 2017.

2018
2018
Evidence for folic acid fortification

123RF.com

A Royal Society Te Apārangi expert panel unanimously concludes that the benefits of mandatory fortification of packaged bread with folic acid outweigh possible, but unproven adverse effects. Fortification will ensure more pregnant women will have access to folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Artisan breads are an option for people who prefer to opt out.

2021
2021
Folic acid addition to bread

Government announces that folic acid will be added to bread-making flour to reduce birth defects.

Transcript

Changing scientific ideas

Each specialised field of science has key ideas and ways of doing things. Over time, these ideas and techniques can be revised or replaced in the light of new research. Most changes to key science ideas are only accepted gradually, tested through research by many people.

Advances in research and actions

All scientists build their research and theories on the knowledge of earlier scientists, and their work will inform other scientists in the future. A scientist may publish hundreds of scientific reports, but only a few are mentioned here.

Biography

This part of the timeline outlines just a few events in the personal life of the featured person, some of which influenced their work as a scientist.

CHANGING SCIENTIFIC IDEAS

1851 – Iodine and goitre research ignored

Iodine is shown to prevent goitre in children, but these findings are ignored for 70 years.

1920 – New research prompts iodine action

In the 1920s investigations again show that taking iodine prevents goitre. This time, something is done to improve public health. Iodine is added to salt in New Zealand and other countries so it becomes part of everyone’s food.

Image: Public domain. Photo by Martin Finborud (1861–1928).

1950s – More long-term research brings fluoride action

After 50 years of research and testing show positive effects, fluoride is added to many public water supplies in New Zealand and other countries.

2000 – Benefits of iodine and fluoride confirmed

After many years of use, iodine and fluoride are confirmed as having strong health benefits.

ADVANCES IN RESEARCH AND ACTIONS

1851 – Iodine and goitre

French chemist Gaspard Adolphe Chatin is first to state clearly that goitre (a swelling of the thyroid gland) is caused by iodine deficiency. Tests on children show that taking iodine can prevent goitre, but these findings are ignored.

Image: Public domain

1917 – Iodine helps children

American pathologist David Marine starts large-scale test on the effect of iodine on goitre in school children. By 1920 he has shown that taking iodine can prevent goitre.

1922 – First iodised salt

Switzerland becomes the first country to add iodine to salt as a way of reducing goitre in its population.

1924 – Iodised salt in New Zealand

Iodised salt is introduced in New Zealand, as well as America.

Image: © Roger & Alice Montgomery, Tryon County Bookshop

1926 – Muriel Bell goitre research

Muriel’s doctoral research is on goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. This work contributed to the introduction of adding iodine to salt.

1938 – Increased iodine

Level of iodine in New Zealand salt increased (remains at this level in 2013).

1940 – Fluoride and tooth decay

Research over the last 40 years by dentist Frederick McKay and others in America establishes link between fluoride and tooth decay.

Image: Public domain, courtesy of USCDC

1945 – First fluoridation

First American experimental fluoridation of public water supply in Grand Rapids, Michigan. By 1950 people have fewer teeth cavities.

1952 – Muriel Bell and fluoride

Muriel visits America and studies experiments on adding fluoride to public water to increase dental health. On return, she fights for fluoridation in New Zealand.

Image: S14-589c Photograph of Dr Muriel Bell, Margaret Madill papers, r.6653. Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago.

1953 – Iodised salt works

A survey shows that goitre in New Zealand children has been greatly reduced since introduction of iodised salt.

1954 – Fluoride for New Zealand

Fluoride first added to public water in Hastings. At this time New Zealand has the highest per-capita sugar consumption, and the worst teeth, in the world.

1955 – Fluoride in toothpaste

Launch of first clinically-proven fluoride-containing toothpaste in US. Fluoride had first been added to toothpaste in 1914, but its benefits were only proven after years of research.

Image: Kenyon, Brand and Riggs, Cottontail Toothpaste/Facecloths. K E Niven and Co: Commercial negatives. Ref: 1/2-222449-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23052767

1968 – More fluoride for New Zealand

65% of the New Zealand population that has a public water supply receive fluoridated water. Evidence shows that fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay and interferes with damaging bacterial growth.

1997 – Iodine deficiency again?

A survey generates new interest in iodine deficiency as a health issue.

2002 – Less salt in diet, so less iodine

Thyroid problems have increased in some New Zealand children. This may be linked to a reduced use of salt in the diet.

2006 – Support for fluoridation

The New Zealand Ministry of Health continues to support fluoridation, after reports over many years provide evidence of effectiveness and safety.

2009 – Iodised salt in bread

Iodised salt is added to bread in New Zealand.

Find out more in the article: Iodine in our bread.

Image: Gorgev, licensed from 123RF Ltd

2010 – "Growing opposition

From 2010 some people still question the need for iodine and fluoride addition. They would prefer to have a choice rather than be forced into having the additives in their food and water.

2011 – Less tooth decay

Just over half of New Zealand people get fluoridated water. Tooth decay is less in fluoridated areas.

2013 – Continued criticism of fluoride use

Some people continue to question effectiveness and safety of fluoride use. Much of the criticism is not aimed at the science but at the ethics of enforced medication and lack of personal choice.

2016 – Proposed legislative changes

The government proposes the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking water) Amendment Bill, allowing district health boards (DHBs) to direct local authorities to fluoridate community water supplies. The bill has a second reading in June 2017.

2018 – Evidence for folic acid fortification

A Royal Society Te Apārangi expert panel unanimously concludes that the benefits of mandatory fortification of packaged bread with folic acid outweigh possible, but unproven, adverse effects. Fortification will ensure more pregnant women will have access to folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Artisan breads are an option for people who prefer to opt out.

Image: 123RF.com

2021 – Folic acid addition to bread

Government announces that folic acid will be added to bread-making flour to reduce birth defects.

BIOGRAPHY

1898 –  Born in Murchison

Muriel’s two siblings both die before she is 8. In 1907, her mother is killed in a Wellington tram accident, which also badly injures her father.

1911 – At school in Nelson

Starts at Nelson College for Girls, where she is later head girl.

1916 – Starts university

Encouraged into further education by her stepmother. Starts a BA course at Victoria University College but transfers to University of Otago Medical School after a year.

1922 – Graduation

Obtains Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

1923 – Lecturer in physiology

Becomes one of the first female academics at the University of Otago Medical School. Muriel is a lecturer until 1927.

Image: Otago University and Medical School, Dunedin. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-09299-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22903249

1926 – First woman MD

Becomes first woman to be awarded Doctor of Medicine at University of Otago.

1928 – Marriage

Marries James Saunders. Keeps her maiden name, as this is the one she has used in early publications.

1930 – Research in London

Muriel, with her husband, goes to London and carries out research on vitamins. She stays for a time as pathologist at a hospital run by women.

1935 – Return to New Zealand

Becomes lecturer in physiology and experimental pharmacology at University of Otago Medical School.

1937 – Medical Research Council

Becomes a member of the new Medical Research Council, a post she keeps for 20 years.

1937 – Board of Health

Becomes the only woman member of the Board of Health. On the nutrition committee, she looks into the diets of poor people and Māori, and represents children and women. Stays on the Board until 1965.

1939 – Good Nutrition

Edits book Good Nutrition: Principles and Menus for the Medical Research Council.

Image: © University of Waikato

1940 – Public figure

Becoming the first nutrition officer of the Department of Health makes Muriel a public figure. Works with scientists to increase vitamin B1 in bread. Her husband James dies this year.

Image: Dr Muriel Bell, of Dunedin, who has been appointed nutritionist to the Department of Health. (Evening Post, 03 October 1940). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/17692559

1941 – War work

Over the next few years, Muriel writes over 100 articles on nutrition for The Listener, encouraging the public to eat more fruit and vegetables, and less fat and sugar. Involved in wartime rationing and promoting increased vitamin C intake.

1941 – Recognition

Becomes Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry.

1942 – Second marriage

Marries Alfred Hefford.

1945 – Free school milk

Becomes the only woman member of the Central Milk Council. Pushes for provision of free school milk, and the pasteurisation of milk.

Image: Two primary school girls drinking their school milk, Linwood, Christchurch. Pascoe, John Dobree, 1908–1972: Photographic albums, prints and negatives. Ref: 1/4-000032-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23196181

1948 – Notes for Nurses

Publishes Normal Nutrition: Notes for Nurses. The book becomes popular and is updated several times over the next 20 years.

Image: © University of Waikato

1950 – Cholesterol and the heart

Starts research on the link between cholesterol and heart disease.

1952 – Royal Society

Becomes a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand

1956 – Rations for Antarctic

Muriel prepares food rations for the men and dogs of Edmund Hillary’s 1956–57 trans-Antarctic expedition.

Image: A shipment of eggs before loading for HMNZS Endeavour, with Sir Edmund Hillary, Mr JH Miller and Mr R Cawdrey. Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: EP/1956/2852-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23127826

1957 – Husband dies

Muriel’s husband Alfred Hefford dies.

1959 – CBE

Queen’s New Year’s Honours List announces Muriel as Commander of the British Empire.

1968 – Honorary doctorate

University of Otago presents Muriel with honorary doctorate.

1974 – Dies in Dunedin

Although officially retired, Muriel carries out nutrition work until the day she died in May 1974.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Published:20 September 2017