Joel D. Wallach

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

D.V.M., N.D. Dr. Joel D. Wallach (born in St. Louis County, Missouri on June 4, 1940) is an American veterinarian and naturopath known for promoting colloidal minerals as a treatment for many conditions. 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 (D.V.M.), also from the University of Missouri. Thereafter, 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 (N.D.) from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. His major sales pitch is made through his Multi Level Marketing outfit who promote audiotapes entitled "Dead Doctors Don't Lie" in which he makes many claims which include:

Mineral deficiencies are responsible for most chronic diseases
Only "colloidal" minerals can be adequately absorbed [in adults] and contain all the essential minerals.

Critics like James Pontolillo ^[1] are skeptical of his claims and research. His article debunks many claims made by Dr. Wallach, such as a calcium deficiency causing Bell's Palsy -- known to be a from a cranial nerve paralysis. It also highlights other claims not supported by any clinical research, and highlights the potential harm from vitamin overdosing.

A response by G. N. Schrauser Ph.D. published on the website of Majestic Earth Minerals, Wallach's company, states: "The present account shows that Dr. Wallach's academic record is unassailable, and that his opinions and views are generally well substantiated. If he startles some of his critics this may be because developments in his area of expertise are not generally known or ignored by the largely drug oriented conventional medicine." ^[2]

A comprehensive explanation of why colloidal minerals are nutritionally useless (and may in fact cause bodily harm) is given by a recent article from Cecil Adams of Straight Dope fame ^[3]. For those unfamiliar with them, The Straight Dope ^[4] is known for researching and debunking popular myths.

Recent studies in rodents have shown a link between mineral deficiencies and developmental problems. ^[5] No peer-reviewed scientific work, however, has shown that "colloidal" minerals are absorbed any better or worse than normal minerals are, in humans or animals. Any evidence in favour of "colloidal" minerals is therefore anecdotal and scientifically unproven.

1 Some of his peer-reviewed publications
2 List of published books
3 References
4 External links
- 4.1 Sites run by Wallach
- 4.2 Critics

[edit] Some of his peer-reviewed publications

D. Wallach, Ma Lan, Wei Han Yu, Bo-Qi Gu, Feng Teng Yu and Roy F. Goddard (1990). Common denominators in the etiology and pathology of visceral lesions of cystic fibrosis and Keshan Disease. Biol. Trace El. Res. 24: 189 — 205. ^[6]
Charney AN, Wallach JD, Donowitz M, Johnstone N. Effect of cycloheximide on corticosteroid-induced changes in colonic function. Am J Physiol. 1982 Aug;243(2):G112-6. ^[7]
Wallach JD. A connection between bulimia and depression? Am J Psychiatry. 1986 Mar;143(3):390-1. ^[8]
Lowenkopf EL, Wallach JD. Bulimia: theoretical conceptualizations and therapies. J Am Acad Psychoanal. 1985 Oct;13(4):489-503. ^[9]
Boever WJ, Thoen CO, Wallach JD. Mycobacterium chelonei infection in a natterer manatee.J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1976 Nov 1;169(9):927-9.^[10]

[edit] List of published books

Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND, and Ma Lan, MD, MS. Let's play herbal doctor. Wellness Publication LLC, Bonita CA, 2001. ISBN 0970149077.
Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND, and Ma Lan, MD, MS. Dead doctors don't lie. Legacy Communication Group Incorporated, 1999.
Joel D. Wallach, BS, DVM, ND, and Ma Lan, MD, MS. Rare Earths, Forbidden cures. Double Happiness Publishing Company, 1997. ISBN 0970149085.
J. D. Wallach, DVM, ND and Ma Lan, MD, MS. Let's play doctor! Double Happiness Publishing Company, 1998. ISBN 0970149093.
Joel D. Wallach, DVM and William J. Boever, DVM. Diseases of exotic animals: medical and surgical management. W. B. Saunders Company, 1983.
Joel D. Wallach, DVM and Josephine Wallach. Rhino express. Vantage Press, 1978.