Why NPNs Matter: How Canada Keeps Your Supplements Safe 

Take a look at your supplement bottle. Do you see a small number starting with an “NPN”? Many Canadians notice it, but few know what it represents. Let’s break down how natural health products are regulated in Canada and why those numbers matter to you.  

An NPN (Natural Product Number) is a license from Health Canada that allows Canadian natural health product to be legally sold in Canada. To earn that number, a product must go through a full review process. Health Canada assesses the formula for safety, checks that the health claims are supported by credible evidence, reviews any known adverse effects and confirms the product is made in a regulated, compliant facility.  

What goes into an NPN application?  

Behind every NPN is real work: fact‑checking, safety assessments, ingredient verification, supplier vetting, and detailed manufacturing documentation. Brands must submit high‑quality human studies to support their claims, along with complete safety and quality data. It’s a thorough review long before the product reaches your hands.  

Choosing supplements with an NPN means choosing transparency and accountability. Not all countries require this level of regulation and products made without accountability can contain inconsistent or ineffective doses, contaminants or unverified ingredients.  

Why cGMP facilities matter?   

Canada also requires cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices), strict standards that ensure every batch is pure, potent and produced under controlled conditions. It’s the difference between “we hope it’s good” and “we know it’s good.”  

Trust the process, not the hype  

Cheaper, non‑regulated supplements bought from other countries may sound great and have celebrity endorsement, but they can come with hidden risks. Real effectiveness isn’t flashy – it is regulated, tested, and traceable.  

Why we put a disclaimer on our product information  

And while Canadian natural health products are regulated, general wellness information online can’t replace personalized medical advice. Everyone’s needs are different, and speaking with a qualified health professional is always the safest choice.