The Root Cause Medicine Podcast Ensuring Quality in Omega-3 Supplements: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know
Aug 28, 2025
33:04
In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes Dr. Eric Viegas back to discuss the often-overlooked details surrounding the quality and safety of omega-3 supplements. While omega-3s are celebrated for their benefits in cardiovascular health, inflammation, and cognition, contamination and oxidation can undermine their efficacy and even pose health risks. They explore the pivotal role of rigorous testing, manufacturing standards, and how practitioners can guide patients to choose high-quality, safe omega-3 products in a landscape filled with variable quality claims.
You'll hear them discuss:
- The importance of rigorous third-party testing for omega-3 products
- The risks associated with oxidation, rancidity, and contaminants like microplastics, heavy metals, and PCBs
- Differences between omega-3 forms: ethyl ester, triglyceride, monoglyceride, and emulsified
- Industry standards such as GOED, IFOS, and CGMP certification
- Practical tips for consumers and practitioners to select safe, effective omega-3 supplements
- Fullscript’s quality assurance measures and testing protocols
- Common issues seen in subpar fish oil products and how to avoid them
Guest bio:
Dr. Eric Viegas is a renowned expert in supplement quality control and a leader in testing protocols for nutritional supplements. He works closely with Fullscript to ensure the products in their catalog meet the highest standards for potency, purity, and safety. With deep expertise in fish oil manufacturing processes and contaminants, Dr. Viegas helps clinicians navigate the complex world of supplement safety and efficacy.
Labs & Metrics Mentioned:
- (None specifically listed, but references to third-party testing labs like Eurofins Labs and Alchemist Labs are made)
Supplements Mentioned:
- Fish oil
- EPA and DHA
- Algal oil
Guest Details:
Dr. Eric Viegas
- Role: Medical Product Manager, Fullscript
- Education: Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
- Focus: Supplement quality, functional ingredients, CGMP standards, third-party testing
- Website: www.fullscript.com
- Quality Program: Fullscript Quality Standards
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Introduction and benefits of omega-3s
- 02:23 Fullscript’s quality initiatives for omega-3s
- 03:40 The role of oxidation and how it impacts supplement efficacy
- 05:52 Testing standards: peroxide and p-anisidine values
- 07:34 Different omega-3 formulations and their pros/cons
- 09:15 Variability in EPA/DHA content and label accuracy
- 10:36 Contamination sources: heavy metals, microplastics, PCBs, dioxins, PFAS
- 14:43 The importance of sourcing small fish and molecular distillation
- 16:24 Meaning behind “pharmaceutical grade,” “purified,” and “professional grade” claims
- 18:06 Label indicators: third-party testing, certifications, storage practices
- 19:33 How low-quality omega-3s can impede clinical outcomes
- 21:26 At-home storage tips for maintaining supplement integrity
- 23:28 Fullscript’s testing protocols and quality assurance practices
- 25:28 Batch testing, lot verification, and future improvements
- 27:30 The benefits of direct-from-manufacturer sourcing to prevent counterfeits
- 29:44 Myths about fish oil and key certifications to look for
- 30:36 Identifying rancid fish oils through smell
- 32:17 Critical questions for consumers: ingredient form and certifications