Joseph Goldberger (1874-1929) was a physician and epidemiologist conducting research in the United States in the first half of the 20th century. His greatest achievements include proving that the cause of pellagra are nutritional deficiencies. Pellagra is a serious disorder manifesting through diverse skin lesions and damage to internal organs – without proper treatment leading to death. The results of Joseph Goldberger's research enabled effective treatment of this disease and contained its epidemic in the United States. The aim of the work is to present the most crucial aspects of the life and activities of Joseph Goldberger.