Essential Formulas Scientific Advisory
Essential Formulas Incorporated’s (EFI) Scientific Advisory Board consists of nationally recognized physicians, health care practitioners and researchers in the field of integrative medicine. This distinguished group of medical and scientific professionals provides Essential Formulas with ongoing commentary about probiotics and various dietary supplement and skin care products. Advisory Board member responsibilities frequently include the critical review of EFI products and relevant research regarding a variety of dietary supplement products. The Advisory Board provides special guidance to EFI concerning education and awareness programs in the scientific community as well as to the general population.
Science Advisory Board
Dr. Ross Pelton is a practicing pharmacist, clinical nutritionist and health educator in Southern Oregon.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin and received his Ph.D. in Psychology and Holistic Health from the University for Humanistic Studies in San Diego, California.
A Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), Dr. Pelton was named as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Pharmacists in the United States by American Druggist magazine for his work in natural medicine. He is a member of the Medical Advisory Board for the Life Extension Foundation.
Dr. Pelton has authored numerous books and teaches continuing education programs for health care professionals to utilize and integrate natural medicine into their practices. See his news content here.
Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. is a licensed pharmacist, syndicated health columnist, best-selling author, and an advocate of natural health options.
Ms. Cohen earned her Associate of Arts in Chemistry from Central Florida Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Florida, Gainesville.
She is a member of The American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), and American Pharmacist’s Association (APhA). Ms. Cohen worked for over a decade at CVS Pharmacy and serves as clinical advisor for numerous dietary supplement companies.
With a passion for vitamins, herbs, folk remedies and dietary supplements, Ms. Cohen authored numerous natural health books and makes regular media appearances and public presentations discussing the benefits of natural health remedies.
Dr. Natalie Engelbart is a board certified Chiropractic Neurologist and the founder and Clinical Director of Alternative Health Solutions in Flower Mound, Texas.
Dr. Engelbart earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri. She went on to obtain extensive post-doctoral training in clinical nutrition and a highly accredited advanced degree in functional neurology, with specialty board certification in vestibular rehabilitation and learning disorders. Dr. Engelbart earned a Fellowship in Functional Neurology, the highest clinical achievement within the medical profession as well as Fellowships in Childhood Development Disorders and Vestibular Rehabilitation.
She is a Diplomat of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board and has contributed to several research projects in the field of functional neurology. Dr. Engelbart founded a non-profit foundation called Optimum Wellness Foundation, dedicated to research and advancement of non-invasive neurological treatment options for patients.
Dr. Ronald Hoffman is founder and Medical Director of the Hoffman Center in New York City.
Dr. Hoffman received his Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College and his Doctor of Medicine from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Manhattan V.A. Hospital. He subsequently attended the Tristate School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and obtained the New York State certification to perform acupuncture.
Dr. Hoffman served as President of the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), the country’s largest organization of complementary and alternative doctors, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, and a Certified Nutrition Specialist of the American College of Nutrition (ACN).
Dr. Hoffman is recognized as one of America’s foremost complementary medicine practitioners and is the author of numerous books and articles for both the public and health professionals.
Dana James is a board-certified nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner, cognitive behavioral therapist and the founder of Food Coach NYC, a nutritional therapy practice based in Manhattan.
She established her practice after training at London’s Bio Brain Clinic, an outpatient facility specializing in depression and addiction, where she witnessed the power of food and nutrition in moderating brain chemistry, mood and behavior. Ms. James earned her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from the Institute of Optimum Nutrition in London, England in 2007 then went on to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and a New York State registered Nutritionist (CDN).
Her professional affiliates include the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), British Association for Nutritional Therapy (BANT), and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
Ms. James is currently studying for her fellowship in anti-aging, regenerative and functional medicine at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is a frequently sought after radio and television guest and expert source on nutrition.
Dr. David C. Kolbaba is founder and Clinical Director of Dr. David C. Kolbaba & Associates in West Dundee, Illinois, a practice that specializes in natural therapies, nutrition and functional integrated health care by creating simple everyday solutions for staying healthy.
Dr. Kolbaba received his Bachelor of Science Degree, Doctor of Chiropractic, and Advanced Training in Acupuncture from the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois.
Dr. Kolbaba is a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), and a Diplomat of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (DCBCN) and the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN).
He earned his Certification as an Addiction Specialist from the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders and is currently participating in the College’s Clinical Residency Program.
Dr. Robert Martin is founder of Nutritional Testing Services and the Better Health Network, which offers patients the education, confidence and conviction to heal their own bodies.
Dr. Martin holds a Basic Sciences Certification from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, and earned a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic. He also received board certification in Anti-Aging Medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Dr. Martin is double board certified as a Clinical Nutritionist through both the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CCN) the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN).
The author of many articles and scientific publications, Dr. Martin is certified in Applied Kinesiology and has advanced training in the fields of medicine, acupuncture, herbology, sports medicine, and exercise physiology.
Peter Morrell is a Naturopathic Practitioner with a 20-year practice at the Tree of Life Wellness Center in Seekonk, Massachusetts.
He served his Apprenticeship under Dr. Wilhelmus Jansen, ND, a respected allopathic and naturopathic doctor from the Netherlands, who conducted research and taught at Brandeis University in Massachusetts.
Mr. Morrell has since consulted with supplement manufacturers to create specific product formulations, taught the first credited high school course in the country entirely dedicated to holistic medicine, and has been a guest panelist and speaker for both the Rhode Island Diabetes Association and the Rhode Island Mental Health Association.
He is a Source Member at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, a member of the Natural Products Association and the Rhode Island Holistic Health Association.
Dr. Fred Pescatore is the founder and Medical Director of Medicine 369 in New York City, a practice specializing in both traditional and alternative medical techniques.
He earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Villanova University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Caribbean School of Medicine. He completed his Masters Degree at Columbia University School of Public Health and continued his post graduate training at St. Vincent’s Hospital of New York, Mt. Sinai Medical Center and St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center.
Dr. Pescatore is a member of the American Medical Association (AMA), American Public Health Association (APHA), National Association of Physician Broadcasters, and American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM), and is President of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists (IAACN).
Dr. Pescatore has been published in scientific journals and is the author of several best-selling health and nutrition books.
Dr. Muneaki Takahata works as a scientific researcher at Biobank Co., Ltd. in Japan, the manufacturer of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics.
He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Education from Kyoto University of Education, and then went on to earn his Ph.D. in Microbial Genetics from Okayama University.
Dr. Takahata specializes in the study of microbiology for Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics and conducts research at Japan’s Azabu University on intestinal bacteria related to autoimmune diseases and the systemic influence that salivary microbiota provide. He also submits research data on selenium and intestinal bacteria for future publication in scientific journals.
Dr. Takahata has coauthored textbooks on health and nutrition that have been published for use in Japan and also teaches health, nutrition and dietary education to schools and corporations throughout Japan.
Martie Whittekin is an author, health educator and clinical nutritionist in private practice in Dallas, Texas.
Ms. Whittekin earned her Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University and went on to become a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) and proprietor of a health and nutrition business. She is a member of the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists and the Clinical Nutrition and Certification Board, as well as numerous other professional boards including Bastyr University, Natural Products Quality Assurance Alliance, and the Nutritional Health Alliance.
Ms. Whittekin has served as president for the National Nutritional Foods Association, now the Natural Products Association (NPA), and Southwest Health Organizations as well as founding and serving on the Board of Directors for Texans for Health Freedom.
She has been honored with numerous professional distinctions including the President’s Award from the National Nutritional Foods Association, National Nutritional Foods Association’s Crusader Award, and was named by the Association of Women in Nutrition as its “Woman of the Year”. Ms. Whittekin has written several health books, published articles and is a sought after public speaker on health related topics.