Vincent Marks

Vincent Marks (10 June 1930 – 6 November 2023) was an English pathologist and clinical biochemist known for his works on studying insulin and hypoglycemia. His contributions to medical science include simplifying low blood glucose testing, introducing insulin radioimmunoassay, and advancing diabetes research. Marks played an important role in high-profile medico-legal cases, notably providing expert testimony that helped acquit Danish-born British socialite Claus von Bülow in 1985, a case that was the basis of the Oscar-winning movie Reversal of Fortune.

Marks was also a nutritionist who studied intestinal hormones and coined the term "muesli belt malnutrition", referring to parents feeding their children what is considered extremely healthy foods, but, in the process depriving them of essential fats.

Early life Vincent Marks was born on 10 June 1930, in Harlesden, North West London, to Lewis and Rose (née Goldbaum) Marks, in a Jewish household. His parents ran a pub. He completed his training and qualified as a doctor from the St Thomas' Hospital in London, in 1954. His research extended to monitoring drug levels in the blood and investigating hormones like melatonin and insulin-like growth factors. He explored this topic in his book Panic Nation (2006), which he co-authored with Stanley Feldman.

Marks gained prominence in the medico-legal field, providing expert opinions in notable cases. His testimony in Danish-born British socialite Claus von Bülow's 1985 trial challenged accusations of insulin injection and led to an acquittal. The case was made into a book and later into an Oscar winning movie, Reversal of Fortune. Marks also testified against Beverley Allitt in 1993, who used insulin to murder four children, and at the trial of Colin Norris in 2008. In 2007, he co-authored Insulin Murders detailing his involvement in high-profile medico-legal cases and reflecting on his career.

Marks retired in 1995 but remained active as an emeritus professor, contributing to research, publishing, and medico-legal work. He served as the president at the Association of Clinical Biochemists between 1989 and 1991, and as the vice president at the Royal College of Pathologists.

His brother John Marks was also a doctor, and the chair of the British Medical Association.

Marks died on 6 November 2023, at the age of 93.

Selected works