The Truth About Supplement Safety with Dr. Eric Viegas

In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge pulls back the curtain on supplement quality with Dr. Eric Viegas, a naturopathic doctor and Fullscript's Medical Product Manager. What happens between a bag of raw turmeric powder arriving at a facility and a capsule reaching your patient? Dr. Viegas explains what CGMP requires, why third-party audits matter more than a logo on a label, and how identity, potency, purity, and stability testing protect patients. He also shares which categories are most prone to adulteration, why water-based gummies raise stability questions, and which certifications carry real weight. You'll leave with practical questions to ask before recommending any supplement.

3 Key Takeaways

"Regulated" doesn't mean "pre-approved." Dietary supplements must follow federal CGMP rules (ECFR 2026), but FDA oversight happens largely after products reach the market, which is why third-party verification matters. (FDA 2026)

Some categories carry more risk. FDA warnings from 2007 to 2016 identified unapproved drug ingredients in 776 supplements, most often those marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building. (Tucker 2018)

Testing catches what eyes can't. Lead chromate has been added to turmeric to brighten its color, so heavy metal testing is a core part of quality control for vividly colored botanicals. (Forsyth 2019)

Guest: Dr. Eric Viegas is a naturopathic doctor and Medical Product Manager at Fullscript, where he leads initiatives on supplement quality, safety, and education. Before joining Fullscript, he practiced clinically and worked with supplement companies to educate providers on clinical applications, product quality, and manufacturing standards.

Clinical FAQ

What does CGMP on a label mean?

It depends on who verified it. Dr. Viegas recommends looking for CGMP certification from an independent third party that audits facilities, documentation, staff training, and storage, rather than a manufacturer's self-attestation. (ECFR 2026)

Which certifications matter most?

For banned-substance screening, Dr. Viegas points to NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport/Informed Choice. (Maughan 2018) For fish oils, look for testing against oxidation and contaminant standards. (Jairoun 2020)

Does "pharmaceutical grade" mean anything?

Not on its own. Dr. Viegas notes that no central body defines the term for supplements, so look instead for third-party testing for identity, potency, and purity.

Timestamps

00:00 – Meet Dr. Eric Viegas

02:05 – Why supplement quality matters

05:10 – What CGMP means and why third-party audits matter

08:23 – Fullscript's vetting process and catalog standards

13:50 – The turmeric example: identity, potency, and purity

18:03 – Stability testing and overages

19:10 – The issue with gummies and water-based supplements

22:04 – Clinical safety vs. manufacturing safety

24:48 – Contaminants providers should know about

34:06 – Fish oil oxidation testing

36:11 – Rapid fire: collagen hype and "pharmaceutical grade"

43:03 – Does a good diet make supplements unnecessary?

46:24 – Final rule of thumb

Ready to elevate your practice? This episode is sponsored by Fullscript, a comprehensive care delivery platform designed to support whole-person, integrative healthcare. Fullscript helps clinicians bring supplement dispensing, lab ordering, and patient education into one centralized workflow. For more practitioner education on supplements, nutrition, and evidence-informed clinical care, visit Fullscript Academy at academy.fullscript.com.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and don’t necessarily reflect those of Fullscript or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. For your safety, always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.