Ensuring Quality in Omega-3 Supplements: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know

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