Evaluation of the Canadian natural health product regulatory framework in academic research: A scoping review

Introduction Traditional, complementary and alternative therapies, many of which incorporate natural health products (NHPs), are widely used and relied upon globally. In Canada, NHPs were first regulated in 2004; prior to this, they were regulated as either food or drugs. The objective of this study was to summarize the peer-reviewed literature on the evaluation of the NHP regulatory framework in Canada. Methods We conducted a scoping review of academic research evaluating the NHP regulatory framework in Canada. Only peer-reviewed research studies were eligible for review. Our approach followed the five-stage methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Results One article was eligible for review, which highlighted perceived challenges by industry and government regarding NHP regulations. These included significant delays in authorization for sale on the market, industry perception that the provision of research evidence to support their health claims was overly demanding, and understanding how NHPs were now defined as part of this new category separate to food and drugs. Conclusions Studies evaluating the Canadian NHP regulatory framework are extremely limited; further research is needed to inform and optimize the regulatory process. Academic research in this area should be supported, especially in conjunction with consultations with stakeholders, so that an awareness of past research is present and can identify both positive and negative aspects of the current framework, and inform areas for improved regulation of NHPs in Canada.