How to Choose High Quality Supplements in Canada

social Media
Mar 17
3 min read

The #1 Thing to Check First

Wondering how to choose high quality supplements in Canada?

But don’t know where to start?

If you walk into any pharmacy or browse an online wellness store in Canada, you’ll see hundreds of supplements claiming to improve energy, immunity, digestion, and more.

With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which products are truly trustworthy.

But before comparing ingredients, brands, or price tags, there’s one simple thing Canadians should check first when choosing a supplement.

And it tells you everything about the product’s quality and safety.

The number one thing to check

When it comes to choosing high quality supplements in Canada, the first thing to look for is a Natural Product Number (NPN) issued by Health Canada.

Think of it as a quick trust signal on the label.

If a supplement has an NPN, it means Health Canada has evaluated the formula to make sure it meets standards for safety, product quality, and evidence supporting its intended use.

What does a NPN actually mean?

In Canada, many supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, and probiotics, are classified as Natural Health Products.

Before these products can be legally sold, they must be reviewed and approved by Health Canada.

Once a product passes this review, it’s assigned an 8-digit Natural Product Number (NPN). This number must appear on the label, usually on the front or back of the bottle or packaging.

What Health Canada reviews before issuing an NPN

Before a supplement receives a Natural Product Number, it goes through a review process conducted by Health Canada.

Safety assessment

Health Canada reviews available safety data for the product and its ingredients.
This includes information about toxicity, known side effects, contraindications, and possible interactions with medications or other supplements.
The goal is to ensure the product can be used safely when taken as directed.

Evidence supporting effectiveness

Companies must provide evidence supporting the product’s intended health claims.
This evidence can come from scientific research, clinical studies, or recognized traditional-use evidence depending on the ingredient and claim being made.

Product quality and manufacturing standards

Manufacturers must demonstrate that their products are made following Good Manufacturing Practices.
This includes controls to verify the identity, purity, potency, and stability of ingredients so the supplement consistently contains what the label says it does.

Accurate and transparent labeling

Health Canada also reviews the product’s labeling to ensure it clearly lists medicinal and non-medicinal ingredients, recommended dosage, route of administration, and intended use.

How to find the NPN on a supplement label

Once you know what to look for, the Natural Product Number (NPN) is usually easy to spot.

It appears as an 8-digit number labeled “NPN” printed somewhere on the product packaging, often on the front or back of the bottle or box.

It may be located near the supplement facts panel, ingredient list, or dosage instructions.

For example, you might see something like “NPN 80012345” printed on the label.

Picture of Sens Labo's Turmeric Extract Formula, to show what an NPN looks like.

How to verify a legitimate NPN

Want to double-check that a supplement’s NPN is the real deal?

Health Canada provides a public tool called the Licensed Natural Health Products Database. This online database allows consumers to search for a product using its NPN.

Just enter the number, and you’ll be able to confirm that the product is officially licensed for sale in Canada.

You’ll also see helpful details like the product’s approved ingredients, recommended use, dosage instructions, and the health claims that have been authorized.