Dr. Joel Wallach, D.V.M., N.D.
Dr. Wallach’s research has resulted in the publication of more than 70
Recipient of the 2011 Klaus Schwarz Award recognizing the work of pioneers in the field of trace element research
A biomedical research pioneer, Dr. Joel Wallach, DVM, ND spent more than 40 years in the field of Veterinary Medicine, observing and researching the effects of individual nutrients on animal health, before becoming a Naturopathic Physician in 1982.
Today, Dr. Wallach is renowned for his groundbreaking research on the health benefits of selenium and other minerals. He currently dedicates his time to lecturing throughout the world on the therapeutic benefits of vitamins and minerals, and on lobbying the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on behalf of the dietary supplement industry.
Education
Dr. Wallach obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Missouri in 1962, with a major in Animal Husbandry (Nutrition) and a minor in Field Crops and Soils. In 1964, he was awarded a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM), also from the University of Missouri. Thereafter, Dr. Wallach completed a three year (1965-68) post-doctoral fellowship at The Center for the Biology of Natural Systems at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1982, he obtained a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon.
Early Work
Dr. Joel Wallach has held key positions with leading zoos and universities in the United States and Africa, including Director of the Jacksonville Zoological Park in Jacksonville, Florida; Research Veterinarian for the South Africa National Parks Department (where he was a member of the famous “Operation Rhino” team); and Director of Research at the St. Louis Zoological Park in St. Louis, Missouri. At the request of Africa’s National Parks and Wildlife Management Department, Dr. Wallach led an expedition to capture and mark elephants in the Wankie Game Preserve in Rhodesia as part of a migration study. He is one of the founders and a former editor of theJournal of Zoo Animal Medicine. A prolific author, he has published more than 70 scientific papers and six books including the famous textbook, Diseases of Exotic Animals, still used today by leading veterinary schools, and on the Smithsonian Institute’s recommended reading list for Zoological Garden and Aquarium libraries.
Groundbreaking Research on Trace Minerals
As a researcher at the Emory University Yerkes National Primate Center in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977, Dr. Wallach discovered the world’s first known case of non-human cystic fibrosis in a selenium-deficient Rhesus monkey. At the time, cystic fibrosis was believed to the result of a human genetic disorder. Dr. Wallach’s monumental discovery set him on a 20-year path of research on the health benefits of selenium and other minerals. As a result of this work, he became known as The Mineral Doctor and the Father of Liquid Mineral Supplementation.
The Founding of Youngevity
In 1997, Dr. Wallach and Dr. Ma Lan, MD, MS, founded American Longevity, the network marketing company known today as Youngevity. Within five years the company had an international network of distributors and preferred customers plus offices in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and Japan. Today Youngevity is a network marketing leader providing high quality, innovative, and unique products
First Amendment Advocate
Dr. Wallach currently dedicates his time to lecturing throughout the world on the therapeutic benefits of vitamins and minerals, and on lobbying the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on behalf of the dietary supplement industry. His tireless efforts and dedication to the public’s First Amendment rights to complete information on the therapeutic benefits of nutrition prompted the FDA to establish Qualified Health Claims for Selenium (“may reduce the risk of certain cancers”) and Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (“may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease”). Only a few Qualified Health Claims exist, placing Youngevity in a unique position among Dietary Supplement and Direct Marketing companies.
Publications
Dr. Wallach is the author/co-author of more than 70 articles published in peer-reviewed journals covering nutritional and pharmaceutical research. As well he is a major contributor to eight books, including the famous textbook, Diseases of Exotic Animals, still used today by leading veterinary schools, and on the Smithsonian Institute’s recommended reading list for Zoological Garden and Aquarium libraries.
The following is a partial list of published articles and presentations authored in whole or in part by Dr. Wallach:
Dr. Wallach's Published Articles, Books, & Presentations (click to view)
- Wallach JD. Goitrogenic hypothyroidism in feeder lambs. Vet Med Small AnimClin. 1965 Oct;60(10):1051-1053.
- Wallach JD, Doak RL, Schmidtke RP, Davis LE, Niemeyer KH. Thallium intoxication: a specific antidote, supportive therapy and clinical evaluation. Vet Med Small AnimClin. 1965 Dec;60(12):1227-1231.
- Wallach JD, Hoessle C. Hypervitaminosis D in green iguanas. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1966;149:912-914.
- Wallach JD. The Immobilization of rabbits and guinea pigs with M-99 (Etorphine). Unpublished data. St. Louis Zoological Gardens, 1966.
- Wallach JD. Immobilization and translocation of the White (Square-lipped) Rhinoceros. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1966;149:871-874.
- Wallach JD, Howcroft T. Variable number of coronary os in the aorta of the Zululand wildebeeste. Vet Med Small AnimClin. 1967(1):21-22.
- Wallach JD. Degenerative arthritis in a black rhinoceros. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1967;151:887-889.
- Wallach JD, Frueh R, Lentz M. The use of M-99 as an immobilizing and analgesic agent in captive wild animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1967 Oct;151(7):870-876.
- Wallach JD, Hoessle C. Visceral gout in captive reptiles. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1967;151:897-899.
- Wallach JD, Hoessle C, Bennett J. Hypoglycemic shock in captive alligators. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1967 Oct 1;151(7):893-896.
- Wallach JD, Flieg GM. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in captive psittacine birds. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1967 Oct 1; 151(7):880-883.
- Wallach JD. Angioedema associated with strawberry ingestion by a gorilla. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1968 Oct 1;153(7):153:879-880.
- Wallach JD, Hoessle C. Fibrous osteodystrophy in green iguanas. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1968 Oct 1;153(7):863-865.
- Wallach JD, Anderson JL. Oripavine (M.99) combinations and solvents for immobilization of the african elephant. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1968 Oct 1;153(7):793-797.
- Wallach JD, Williamson WM. M.99-induced recumbency and analgesia in a giraffe. J Am Vet Med Assoc.1968 Oct 1;153(7):816-817.
- Wallach JD, Williamson WM. Partial list of parasites found at necropsy at the Chicago and St. Louis Zoological Parks. ProcAnnu Meet Am Assoc Zoo Vet. December 10-11, 1968, pp. 7-8.
- Wallach JD, Frueh R. Pilot study of an organophosphate anthelmintic in camels and primates. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1968 Oct 1;153(7):798-799.
- Wallach JD, Hoessle C. Steatitis in captive crocodilians. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1968 Oct 1;153(7).
- Wallach JD. Wild animal immobilization with the oripavine M-99. MVMA Quarterly. 1968 Winter. pp. 12-15
- Wallach JD. Common diseases and recommended treatments for waterfowl and game birds. Modern Game Breeding. 1969;5:18-25.
- Wallach JD, Flieg GM. Frostbite and its sequelae in captive exotic birds. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1969 Oct 1;155(7):1035-1038.
- Wallach JD. Hand-rearing and observations of a white rhinoceros, dicerossims. International Zoo Yearbook, London Zoological Society. 1969(9):103-104
- Wallach J.D. Etorphine (M-99), a new analgestic immobilizing agent and its antagonists. Vet Med Small AnimClin. 1969 Jan;64(1): 53-58.
- Wallach JD, Flieg GM. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in captive birds. J Am Vet Med Assoc.1969 Oct 1;155(7):1046-1051
- Wallach JD. Medical care of reptiles. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1969 Oct 1;155(7):1017-1934.
- Wallach JD, Frueh R, Lentz M. The use of M.99 as an immobilizing and analgesic agent in captive wild animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1967 Oct 1;151(7):870-876.
- Wallach JD. A simple technique for the collection of blood from small zoo animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc.1970 Sep 1;157(5):694-695.
- Wallach JD, Flieg GM. Cramps and fits in carnivorous birds. International Zoo Yearbook, London Zoological Society. 1970;10:3-4.
- Wallach JD. Disease problems in group and zoogeographic displays. ProcAnnu Meet Am Assoc Zoo Vet.October 12-14, 1970. pp. 7-8.
- Wallach JD, Middleton CC. Naturally occurring atherosclerosis in aoudads (Ammotraguslervia (Pallas)).ActaZoolPatholAntverp. 1970 Jan;50:45-54.
- Wallach JD, Hoessle C. M-99 as an immobilizing agent in poikilotherms. Vet Med Small AnimClin. 1970 Feb;65(2):163-167
Tumbleson ME, Middleton CC, Wallach JD. Seriumbiochemic and hematologic paramaters of adult aoudas (Ammotraguslervia) in captivity. Lab Anim Care. 1970 Apr;20(2):242-245. - Wallach JD. Nutritional diseases of exotic animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1970 Sep 1;157(5):583-599.
- Wallach JD. Diseases of reptiles and their clinical management. In Kirk RW (ed) Current Veterinary Therapy IV. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co. 1971. pp 433-439.
- Wallach JD. Exotic diets are not for exotic pets. Gaines Small Anim. Nutrition Workshop, University of Illinois. March 1971.
- Wallach JD. Lumpy jaw in captive kangaroos. International Zoo Yearbook, London Zoological Society. 11:13; 1971.
- Wallach JD, Williamson WM. M-99 induced recumbency in a camel. J Zoo Anim Med. 1971 Apr;2:27.
- Wallach JD, Williamson, WM, Largarde K. Normal blood values of siberian ibex. J Zoo Anim Med. 1971 June;2:22-23.
- Wallach JD. Nutritional problems in zoos. Presented at Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers. Buffalo, NY, 1971. pp. 10-19.
- Wallach JD. Environmental and nutritional diseases of captive reptiles. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1971 Dec 1;159(11):1632-1643.
- Wallach JD. Management and medical care of goldfish. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1971 Sep;159(5):585-595.
- Wallach JD. Gauntlet of the cage. J Zoo Anim Med. 1972 June. pp. 330-346.
- Wallach JD. The nutrition and feeding of captive ruminants in zoos. Digestive Physiology and Nutrition of Ruminants. Oregon State University Press, Vol. 3. 1972, pp. 292-307.
- Wallach JD. Management and medical care of pinnepeds. J Zoo Anim Med. 1972 Dec;3(4):45-72.
- Wallach JD and Stuart Levin A Survey of Mortality Reporting and Diagnostic Services in American ZoosInternational Zoo Yearbook, volume 12, issue 1, pages 161-163, January 1972
- Wallach JD. Surgical techniques for caged birds . Vet Clin North Am. 1973;3:229-236.
Boever WJ, Thoen CO, Wallach JD. Mycobacterium chelonei infection in a natterer manatee. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1976 Nov 1;169(9):927-929. - Wallach JD. Anasthesia of reptiles, In Kirk RW (ed) Current Veterinary Therapy VI: Small Animal Practice.Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co. 1977, pp. 807-808.
- Wallach JD. Erysipelas in two captive Diana monkeys. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1977 Nov 1;171(9):979-980.
- Wallach JD, Silberman MS. Foot care for captive elephants. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1977 Nov 1;171(9):906-907.
- Wallach JD. Management and nutritional problems in captive reptiles. In Kirk RW (ed), Current Veterinary Therapy VI: Small Animal Practice. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co. 1977, pp. 778-787.
- Wallach JD. Cystic fibrosis: a proposal of etiology and pathogenesis. Presented at Workshop on Model Systems for the Study of Cystic Fibrosis, Bethesda, MD, May 25-26, 1978.
- Wallach JD. Feeding and nutritional diseases (reptiles). In Fowler ME (ed), Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders Co. 1978, pp. 123-128.
- Wallach JD. Reptile physiology. In Fowler ME (ed), Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co. 1978, pp. 114-119.
- Wallach JD, Wallach JE. Rhino Express. Vantage Press, New York, NY, 1978.
- Wallach JD, Ursidae. In Fowler ME (ed), Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co. 1978, pp. 628-637.
- Wallach JD, Germaise B. Cystic fibrosis: a perinatal manifestation of selenium deficiency. Presented at the Thirteenth Annual Conference of Trace Elements in Environmental Health. University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. June 1979, pp. 469-476.
- Wallach JD. The mechanics of nutrition for exotic pets. Vet Clin North Am Small AnimPract. 1979 Aug;9(3):405-414.
- Wallach JD, Lagarde K. Air sacculitis in guenons. Unpublished Data, Chicago Zoological Society.
- Wallach JD. A defense against the new epidemic. NCNM News, Vol 1, No 5, 3; March 1980.
- Wallach JD. Laboratory Perspectives: Hair Analysis Part I: Chromium. NCNM News, Vol 1, No 6, 4; April 1980
- Wallach JD. Laboratory Perspectives: Hair Analysis Part II: Zinc. NCNM News, Vol 2, No 1, 3; December 1980.
- Wallach JD. Laboratory Perspectives Part III: Hair Analysis: Copper. Nat. Coll. of Naturopathic Med. Review, Vol. 2, No. 2, 6-7; Feb/Mar 1981.
- Wallach JD, Laboratory Perspectives Part IV: Hair Analysis: Ca:Mg. Nat. Coll. of Naturopathic Med. Review, Vol. 2, No. 3, 9-11; Apr/May 1981.
- Wallach JD, Laboratory Perspectives Part V: Hair Analysis: Selenium. Nat. Coll. of Naturopathic Med. Review, Vol. 2, No. 4, 11-14; June/July 1981.
- Wallach JD, Hoff, GL. Metabolic and Nutritional Diseases of Reptiles. In Hoff GL, Davis JW (eds), Noninfectiopus Diseases of Wildlife, pp. 155-167. Ames, IA. The Iowa State University Press, 1982.
- Wallach JD, Cooper R. Nutrition of Wild Birds. In Cooper R, Davis JW (eds), Noninfectious Diseases of Wild Animals, pp. 113-126. Ames, IA. The Iowa State University Press, 1982.
- Wallach JD, Boever WJ. Diseases of Exotic Animals: Medical and Surgical Management. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia; 1983. (Note: This authoritative treatise is widely circulated and respected in the professional veterinary establishment.)
- JD Wallach and Ma Lan, MD. Common Denominators in the Etiology and Pathology of Visceral Lesions of Cystic Fibrosis and Keshan Disease. Chinese Journal of Endemiology, 1989.
- JD Wallach and Ma Lan, MD. Let’s Play Doctor. Wellness Publications, LLC, Bonita, CA, 1989, 2002.
- Wallach JD and Ma Lan, MD. Rare Earths: Forbidden Cures. Double Happiness Publishing Co., Bonita, CA, 1994.
- Wallach JD and Ma Lan, MD. Dead Doctors Don’t Lie. Legacy Communications Group, Inc., Franklin, TN, 1999.
- Wallach JD and Ma Lan, MD. Let’s Play Herbal Doctor. Wellness Publications, LLC, Bonita, CA, 2002.
- Wallach JD and Ma Lan, MD. God Bless America. Wellness Publications, LLC, Bonita, CA 2002.
- Wallach JD and Ma Lan, MD. Hell’s Kitchen. Wellness Publications, LLC, Bonita, CA 2004.
- Wallach JD and Ma Lan, MD. Passport to Aromatherapy. Wellness Publications, LLC, Bonita, CA 2005.
- Wallach JD and Ma Lan, MD. Black Gene Lies. Wellness Publications, LLC, Bonita, CA 2006.
- Wallach JD and Ma Lan, MD. Immortality. Wellness Publications, LLC, Bonita, CA, 2008.