The Truth About Supplement Safety with Dr. Eric Viegas

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Eric Viegas, a naturopathic doctor and Fullscript’s Medical Product Manager, to pull back the curtain on the world of supplement quality and safety. From raw ingredient sourcing to manufacturing audits, Dr. Viegas explains what CGMP really means, how Fullscript ensures product integrity, and why certifications like NSF and third-party testing matter. You’ll learn how to evaluate your supplements for quality, what common industry terms really mean (or don’t), and what to avoid—like potentially dangerous sports nutrition products and under-tested trendy gummies. Whether you’re a clinician or a supplement-savvy consumer, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the supplement landscape with confidence. You’ll here them discuss: - What CGMP certification actually means—and why it matters - The hidden dangers of poor manufacturing practices and counterfeit products - Why Fullscript’s catalog is CGMP-certified across all 375+ brands - How and why supplements like turmeric are tested for purity, potency, and contamination - The surprising problems with gummies and “pharmaceutical grade” claims - Which third-party certifications actually mean something (and which don’t) - Why the supplement industry is regulated—but not in the way most people assume - How Fullscript handles recalls, audits, and adverse event reports - What every provider and consumer should know before recommending or taking a supplement