J.A. Campbell Research Fund

Who was Dr. J.A. Campbell? | J.A. Cambbell Research Fund

Who was Dr. J.A. Campbell?

Dr. J. A. Campbell (1923 - 1993) had an extensive background in the field of nutrition. He worked in the Federal Department of Agriculture, the Drug Directorate of the Department of National Health and Welfare, and became Director of the Nutrition Bureau, Health Protection Branch in 1972, where he was officer-in-charge of the Nutrition Canada Survey. Dr. Campbell received several distinguished awards for his many contributions in the field of Nutritional Science.

Dr. Campbell's contributions to the Canadian Celiac Association began in 1980, as advisor to the Ottawa Chapter, and then as Chairman of the Nutrition Committee, National Advisory Board. He contributed articles for our handbooks and newsletters, and his discussions with the Department of Consumer and Corporate affairs and the Health Protection Branch concerning the improper use of the term gluten-free on food labels, have set the standard for what may be labelled as gluten-free in Canada today. He contacted well known authorities on celiac disease to seek their opinions on controversial foods in the gluten-free diet, and worked extensively to ensure that celiacs could be better informed on food sources.

Dr. Campbell designed the first Canada-wide study of persons with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, and carried it through to completion. We are proud to say that this survey may have been the largest ever done world-wide. Following the survey, he authored and/or co-authored several articles on the results of the survey, which have been in medical and dietary journals. He worked on the development of our Pocket Dictionary on the Acceptability of Foods and Food Ingredients for the Gluten-Free Diet, and the dietary section of the Handbook.

Dr. Campbell was awarded Honourary member of the Ottawa Chapter, and in 1988 was named Honourary Life Member of the Canadian Celiac Association. His work stands as a cornerstone to the support that we provide to our members.

It is impossible to think of Dr. Campbell without including his wife and close companion Betty. Mrs. Campbell was his willing and diligent help-mate who typed all of his reports and correspondence, and greatly assisted him in his work.

J.A. Campbell Research Fund

The J. Alexander Campbell Research Fund is designated to be used to continue the valuable work begun by Dr. Campbell, investigating and reporting on all aspects of celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. The fund stands as an enduring tribute to Dr. Campbell's many fine accomplishments on behalf of the members of the Canadian Celiac Association.