Natural Health Products

A recent survey shows that 71% of Canadians regularly take vitamins and minerals, herbal products, homeopathic medicines and the like -- products that have come to be known as natural health products (NHPs).

Health Canada's Role

Through the Natural Health Products Directorate, Health Canada ensures that all Canadians have ready access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while respecting freedom of choice and philosophical and cultural diversity.

What are Natural Health Products?

Under the Natural Health Products Regulations, which came into effect on January 1, 2004, natural health products (NHPs) are defined as:

• Vitamins and minerals
• Herbal remedies
• Homeopathic medicines
• Traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines
• Probiotics, and
• Other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids.

NHPs must be safe for consideration as over-the-counter products and not require a prescription to be sold. Products requiring a prescription will continue to be regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.

What Information can you find here?

This section contains natural health product information tailored to reach a wide-ranging audience.

Industry

• Guidance Documents - on all aspects of regulatory requirements
• Application Forms and Templates
• List of Site Licence Holders
• Fact Sheet - Schedule A Health Claims for Natural Health Products
  

Consumer

• It's Your Health
• Frequently asked questions
• Fact Sheet -- Codex and the Availability of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements in Canada
• Licensed Natural Health Products Database

Research

The Natural Health Products Research Program supports natural health products research and knowledge-based development through various means, both individually and in partnerships with other funding agencies, most notably the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Subscribe to NHPD's Electronic Bulletin to receive notices and updates on the activities and documents of the Natural Health Products Directorate.