Renowned Nutritional Biochemist Barbara Ann Underwood Passes Away
Barbara Ann Underwood, a pioneering nutritional biochemist who dedicated her life to fighting malnutrition globally, passed away on February 6, 2025, at 90. In 2003, Barbara was a founding member of the HarvestPlus Program Advisory Committee (PAC), and served as Vice Chair of the PAC through the end of 2010.
Barbara’s groundbreaking research on vitamin A and other micronutrient deficiencies helped improve child health in developing countries. One of her proudest achievements was a field study in South India demonstrating that smaller, more frequent doses of vitamin A could significantly reduce childhood mortality—an insight that shaped international nutrition policies. She also championed biofortification as a sustainable approach to combating malnutrition, advocating for crops enriched with essential nutrients. She was President of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences from 1997-2001 and received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2009.
Barbara’s work was not just about research; it was about people. Her career was marked by compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to mentoring young scientists. She insisted on local academic partnerships during in-country research and worked diligently to assist their authorship of study results. She believed in the power of education and encouraged the next generation of nutritionists to follow their passions in pursuits of a healthier world.
“I got to know Barbara better when she travelled to Mombasa, Kenya for HarvestPlus in May, 2006. A two-day meeting was held to communicate to African stakeholders that biofortified crop deployment (orange sweet potato) was about to commence. After the meeting, Barbara treated the HarvestPlus staff who had participated to a morning of deep sea fishing. Barbara loved to fish and was an avid fan of the Anaheim Angels (baseball) and the Los Angeles Clippers (basketball). She had retired to southern California where she was born in Tustin,” reminisces Howdy Bouis, founding director of HarvestPlus.
HarvestPlus extends its deepest gratitude for Barbara’s tireless contributions to the field of nutrition and her instrumental role in shaping the fight against micronutrient deficiencies. We appreciate her pioneering work, mentorship, and advocacy, which have inspired countless individuals and organizations to work towards a world free from hidden hunger. Her legacy will continue to guide and motivate our efforts to improve nutrition and public health globally.