432-00785 (Health)

The Government of Canada is responsible for establishing and administering legislation and regulations to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products sold in Canada. Health Canada recognizes that, for many Canadians, natural health products are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including helping to maintain and support immune function.

Natural health products in Canada (such as vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal products) are regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR), which were created to differentiate natural health products from prescription and non-prescription drugs, which are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations.

Natural health products are generally low-risk products meant to be used by individuals for minor, non-serious conditions. However, low-risk does not mean no risk. That is why Health Canada reviews the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products prior to their entry on the Canadian market, in accordance with the NHPR and will take appropriate action. 

Health Canada has not authorized an application for a product containing Vitamin D with claims to reduce symptoms associated with COVID-19. Claims related to prevention of COVID-19 infection or symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 are considered higher risk and would require a high degree of supporting scientific evidence prior to approval for this use.

It may be of interest to note that the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development recently completed audit report of Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Program. A number of recommendations were made as a result, all of which Health Canada agrees with.

Although the federal government plays a crucial role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes determining which services to cover under their respective health care insurance plans. Under the Canada Health Act, a province or territory must provide coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services (i.e., insured health services, including access to holistic health services) to their eligible residents. Wellness care and practices aimed at sustaining health, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathic and naturopathic medicines, are part of a range of additional services and benefits, which are outside the scope of the Act, and may be provided at provincial and territorial discretion, on their own terms and conditions.