Defining Natural Health Products
This section provides some definitions and examples of natural health products.
Under the Natural Health Products Regulations, natural health products (NHPs) are defined as:
- Vitamins and minerals
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathic medicines
- Traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines
- Probiotics
- Other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids
The medicinal ingredients in all NHPs must be derived from a natural source and be considered natural by Health Canada.
Since the medicinal ingredients in these products must occur in nature, the environmental and human hazard potential of NHPs is extremely limited. NHPs are available for self-selection and do not require a prescription to be sold. Natural Health Products are regulated by the Natural Health Products Regulations, under the Food and Drugs Act.
A few examples of Natural Health Products include:
- Calcium or Iron (minerals)
- Echinacea or Ginseng (herbal remedies)
- Glutamine or Leucine (amino acids)
- Omega-3 (essential fatty acid)
- Vitamin C or Vitamin B complex (vitamins)
Some categories of Natural Health Products:
- Antioxidants
- Energy Drinks
- Enzymes
- Greens Products
- Homeopathic Products
- Certain Personal Care Products with natural medicinal ingredients (acne products, antiperspirants, some anti-caries, some toothpaste, some sunscreens, some anti-dandruff products)
- Pre and Post Workout Products
- Weight Loss/Weight Management Products
Natural Health Products can be used for:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Bodybuilding and Fitness
- Cough and Colds
- Digestive System
- General Health & Wellbeing
- Immune System
- Joints
- Kidney
- Liver
- Lungs
- Prostate Health
- Sleep
- Urinary Systems
Drugs, Cosmetics and Organic Foods
This information is provided to help you identify the differences and understand why drugs, some cosmetics and organic foods are not classified as natural health products.
Drugs
Over-the-Counter (aka non-prescription) Drugs (examples: Tylenol or Benadryl) do not require a prescription either, but they are not eligible to be natural health products because the therapeutic ingredients in these products are not classified as natural.
The ingredients in many drug products have been shown in research to have a moderate to significant environmental impact on our waterways and landfills if disposed of improperly. Prescription and non-prescription drugs are regulated by the Food and Drug Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics include any substance or mixture of substances, manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth and includes deodorants and perfumes.
There are some cosmetic products that share characteristics of both “cosmetic” and “drug”, as defined in the Food and Drugs Act. Such products may include, acne therapy, antiperspirants, anti-dandruff products, fluoride-containing anti-caries products, medicated skin products, diaper rash products, antiseptic skin cleansers, sunburn protectants, skin whiteners and tooth whiteners.
In Canada, personal care products at the cosmetic-drug interface can be regulated by one of three sets of regulations under the Food and Drugs Act, depending on their ingredients and on the claims they make:
A guideline has been provided to industry which clarifies how the Government interprets and applies the definitions of cosmetic and drug in the Food and Drugs Act. This helps to ensure that each personal care product is regulated according to the most appropriate regulation.
All cosmetics sold in Canada must meet the requirements of the applicable legislation, including the Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetic Regulations.
Foods (Organic Foods)
Organic foods are not classified as Natural Health Products, and are recognized under their own Organic Products Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act. Under the Organic Product Regulations, organic foods must be certified by a qualified 3rd party certification body to ensure adherence to strict organic standards.
