How to recognize a good natural health product

A good natural health product should come from a company that is licensed by Health Canada. Ask, because you won't see this information on the bottle. The natural health product retailer should be able to tell you. The manufacturer of the natural health product should have a customer service department that allows you to verify this information, to find out about their compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and their certifications (ISO for example).

Since 2010, natural health products sold in Canada have their Natural Health Product Number (NPN) registered with Health Canada.

Companies must be able to scientifically support the therapeutic claims associated with their products in order to obtain these numbers (NPN). Obtaining a NPN is, for the time being, proof of the quality of the natural health product in question.

This willingness of the manufacturer to comply is also evidence that they have sufficient scientifically acceptable evidence of the activity of their natural health product to hope to obtain their NPN. The label of a good natural health product should always provide indications, dosage, warnings and contraindications. This is the minimum that any conscientious and knowledgeable manufacturer should include on the label.

The list of all active and non-medicinal ingredients contained in the product must appear on the label, which should also stipulate the presence or absence of the main allergens in its product (dairy products, wheat...). Of course, the product should also be properly sealed. A little tip... Before buying a natural health product, compare the product with two or three equivalent products from its competitors and ask the retailer and, if necessary, the manufacturer, about the labeling, the container (which should generally protect the product from light), etc.

This process may be a little difficult at first, but it will quickly allow you to identify a few good manufacturers that you can then trust.

Good selection!