Jack Challem, The Nutrition Reporter, dies

One of the nutrition world’s most beloved educators, Jack Challem, died over the weekend after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 66.

Challem gained fame as The Nutrition Reporter, a persona and newsletter that was published for decades and which disseminated nutrition science news in an accessible manner. He was a prolific health writer and best-selling author of more than 20 books.

His books included No More Fatigue, Stop Prediabetes Now, The Food-Mood Solution, The Inflammation Syndrome, Feed Your Genes Right and Syndrome X. His nutrition articles appeared in just about every consumer title in print, including Delicious Living, Natural Solutions, Let’s Live and Better Nutrition.

He routinely attracted standing-room-only crowds to seminars at the Natural Products Expos.

In the last few years, Challem shifted his focus to fine art photography.

On his Facebook page, the memories and tributes rang out.

“Learned so much from Jack through his writing,” wrote Yaakov Levine. “Whether it was photography, nutrition or politics, he shared his passion, and will be missed by us all.”

“Jack was so friendly and passionate about life,” wrote Kariman Pierce. “I learned so much from him through his Nutrition Reporter newsletter and books and am grateful for his contributions to the world.”

“He was always kind, friendly and eager to help,” wrote Laurie Budgar. “Had so many great conversations with him over the years. I’m so sad to hear he’s gone. He was one of the good ones.”

“I respected his nutrition work immensely, and got to learn there was another side to him as a superb photographer,” wrote Ronald Hoffman. “He was a true pioneer.”