Since the Canadian Natural Health Products Regulation came into effect in 2004, Health Canada has issued a number of monographs on natural health products. These are described as "scientific documents that provide authoritative information about the safe and effective use of a substance or ingredient". Until now, however, only single vitamins and minerals have been included in the monographs. The regulator says that the new multi- monograph will build on these, since it features an expanded list of materials. It is also expected to make licensing easier for new products containing multiple vitamins and minerals, since manufacturers will need to refer to one document, rather than many. The new monograph brings compliance issues for companies with multivitamin and mineral products already on the market, since they will have to comply with the requirements it sets out. And for the consumer, ultimately Health Canada says it will "further ensure that Canadians have access to products that are well prepared, safe to use and effective… [and] provide clear instructions on their labels". The monograph relates only to natural health products sold in pill (supplement) form, and not to foods or beverages. More information on the monograph is available here.
