Why Credentials and Supplement Quality Matter More Than Ever

For Dr. Jason Frigerio, a longtime practitioner in integrative health and founder of New Jersey Natural Medicine in Bedminster, the answer starts with education.

“We’re in an interesting time,” he says. “Natural medicine has grown tremendously over the past 20 years. That’s a good thing—but it’s also created a lot of inconsistency. Not all practitioners have the same training, and not all supplements are what they claim to be.”

Credentials Matter More Than You Think

Dr. Jason, as he is affectionately known in the community, explains that one of the biggest misconceptions patients have is assuming that titles reflect training.

“In some states, like New Jersey, there’s no licensure for naturopathic medicine,” states Dr. Jason. “So technically, anyone can call themselves a naturopath—even if they’ve only taken a handful of online courses.”

That can come as a surprise to patients who assume all providers with similar titles have similar backgrounds.

“A formally trained naturopathic doctor completes a four-year post graduate primary care medical program earning the degree of N.D., Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. That’s a completely different level of education.”

His advice? Don’t be shy about asking questions. 

“A qualified practitioner should clearly state where they trained, what degree they earned and what their scope of practice is.”

He also points to the growing popularity of techniques like dry needling as another area where training matters. “A licensed acupuncturist completes thousands of hours of education,” Frigerio explains. “Meanwhile, some providers can perform similar techniques after just a few weekend courses.”

The difference isn’t just academic—it can affect safety.

“We’ve seen cases of serious complications,” he says. “That’s why understanding a practitioner’s training is so important.”

The Role of the Educated Patient

For Dr. Jason, educating the patient isn’t optional—it’s essential. “The word ‘doctor’ comes from the Latin docere, which means ‘to teach,’” he says. “So, part of our job is helping people understand how to make informed choices.” That includes everything from evaluating providers to choosing supplements wisely.

A Wake-Up Call About Supplements

Many people assume that supplements sold in stores are safe, regulated and accurately labeled. Frigerio notes that’s not always the case.

“People think if it’s on the shelf, it must be what it says it is,” he says. “Unfortunately, that’s not always true.”

He recalls a moment that changed how he views the industry.

“We sent a well-known herbal product—Bacopa—to a lab,” he says. “The results came back: there was no Bacopa in it at all.”

Even more surprising, the supplier was a respected company. “That was a real eye-opener. It showed me just how important quality control really is.”

Counterfeit products are another concern. Some supplements sold online mimic trusted brands but contain entirely different ingredients.

“They look identical,” he says. “But inside, they’re something else altogether.”

What to Look For

So, how can consumers protect themselves?

Dr. Jason recommends focusing on a few key indicators:

Third-party tested. This means an outside company has checked the product to confirm it actually contains what the label says — at the right strength, and without harmful contaminants.

Clear ingredient sourcing. A trustworthy brand will tell you where their ingredients come from. If that information is hard to find or missing entirely, that’s a red flag.

Forms your body can actually use. Not all forms of a vitamin or mineral are absorbed equally. Look for supplements that use “bioavailable” forms — a term that simply means the ingredient is in a form your body can absorb and put to work.

He offers a simple example. “A lot of big-box supplements use cheaper forms of nutrients,” he says. “Take vitamin B12—you might see a low-dose, less active form like cyanocobalamin, when a more effective form would be methylcobalamin.”

Calcium is another common issue.

“Calcium carbonate is widely used, but it can actually interfere with absorption,” he explains. “Higher-quality forms are easier for the body to use. In many cases, you really do get what you pay for.”

Navigating a Complex System

Beyond supplements, Dr. Jason sees another major challenge: fragmentation in healthcare.

“Patients often have multiple providers who aren’t communicating,” he says. “That can lead to confusion and even mistakes.”

He’s seen medication lists that are outdated, or patients taking several prescriptions with overlapping side effects.

“When you’re dealing with that many variables, it becomes very hard to pinpoint what’s actually causing symptoms,” he says.

That’s why he encourages patients to take an active role in their care. “You can ask questions. You can say no. You can request alternatives. You have more power than you think.”

Finding the Middle Ground

While Dr. Jason is a strong advocate for natural medicine, he’s equally clear that balance is key.

“Going to extremes doesn’t serve anyone,” he says. “It’s not about rejecting conventional care or blindly trusting natural products—it’s about using discernment.”

The goal, he says, is integration—using the best tools available, guided by knowledge and experience.

The Bottom Line

As the wellness industry continues to grow, Dr. Jason believes both practitioners and patients have a role to play in raising standards.

“For practitioners, it means being transparent and well-trained,” he says. “For patients, it means being curious and informed.”

“When you understand what you’re looking at—whether it’s a practitioner or a supplement—you can make choices that truly support your well-being.”

In a world full of options, education becomes the foundation of better health.

Dr. Jason Frigerio is a naturopathic doctor and certified acupuncturist in the state of New Jersey. He completed a six-year dual degree doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Master in Oriental Medicine from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Since graduating Dr. Frigerio has continued his studies; completing a two-year Paracelsus Biological Medicine training which culminated in an internship at the Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland. Additionally, he is a practitioner and instructor of Qi Gong and meditation.

New Jersey Natural Medicine is located at 2424 Lamington Rd., in Bedminster. For information call 973-267-2650, email [email protected], and visit NJNaturalMedicine.com. See ad, page 27.