Karl Ludvig Reichelt, known as Kalle Reichelt, was a distinguished Norwegian physician and researcher born on November 28, 1933, and passed away on October 29, 2016.
His life was characterized by resilience and a profound commitment to academic excellence.
Born into a family with a missionary legacy, Reichelt spent much of his early years in Hong Kong. The hardships of World War II, including internment in a Japanese camp with his family, profoundly influenced his character and outlook on life.
Returning to Norway after the war, Reichelt pursued an academic path, studying chemistry and medicine. In 1972, he earned a medical doctorate from the University of Oslo with a thesis titled “An Investigation Into the Nature and Function of Anionic Acids, Peptides, and Acid-Soluble Proteins from Brain Tissue.”
Reichelt’s pioneering research focused on opioid peptides found in gluten and casein, providing insights into protein intolerance. Collaborating with institutions such as Madlavoll School in Stavanger and the University of Stavanger’s Reading Center under Professor Ann-Mari Knivsberg, he investigated the impact of peptides on gut permeability and their potential role in brain disorders.
One of Reichelt’s significant hypotheses proposed that opioid peptides crossing the intestinal barrier, particularly in individuals with enzymatic deficiencies, could contribute to conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. Despite the controversy, his theories sparked critical discussions in medical circles.
Reichelt’s contributions extended to practical applications. He developed urine peptide testing to detect protein intolerance and advocated for gluten- and casein-free diets based on test results and accompanying blood work. This advocacy led to Norsk Proteinintoleranseforening, a patient association supporting Reichelt’s dietary interventions.
From 1978 to mid-2012, Reichelt served as a senior researcher and advisor at the Pediatric Research Institute at Rikshospitalet, dedicating himself to advancing scientific knowledge in his field. In recognition of his impactful work, Reichelt was honored with the King’s Medal of Merit in gold in 2004.
Karl Ludvig Reichelt’s life and career exemplify a steadfast pursuit of knowledge and innovation despite adversity. His enduring legacy continues to inspire ongoing research into the connections between diet, peptides, and neurological health, shaping the future of medical science.
Additionally, Reichelt collaborated with Geir Bjørklund on the Nordic Journal of Biological Medicine (Nordisk Tidsskrift for Biologisk Medisin), a precursor for the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine.