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Natural Health Products.

More and more people are using natural health products (NHP's) in many forms, including herbal products, vitamin and mineral supplements, traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines, and homeopathic preparations. While the effectiveness of NHPs is often supported by traditional use and anecdotal reports, more frequently this initial evidence is being measured by contemporary medical science.

Most NHPs have enjoyed a long history of safe use, and many people take some form of a NHP on a daily basis. Individuals often select NHPs to gain more control over and positively influence their health. When used appropriately, NHPs can be an integral part of an individual?s health management. However, some people assume that because a health product is labelled ?natural,? it is ?safe.? NHPs, like drugs, may have potentially serious side effects. Any substance, whether natural or synthetic, that has an effect on the body, has the potential to be a risk to health. Children, pregnant or breast-feeding women, seniors, those diagnosed with a serious disease or those scheduled for an operation are particularly susceptible to risk.

The possible health risks to consider when people use self-selected health products, whether conventional medicines or Natural Health Products, there are possible side effects or risks that must be considered. Some of these are as follows:

? absence or delay in receiving effective supervised treatment for a medical condition

? interaction with prescription drugs, over the-counter medicines, or other herbal products, which can result in other drugs having reduced or enhanced effects, including side effects or overdose

? allergic reactions

With NHPs, there are additional aspects to consider, such as the possibility that a plant species may have been misidentified, that the amount of an ingredient may vary from that stated on the label or between batches, or that the health-related claims may not be appropriate for the ingredients. New regulations are intended to address these risks. Minimizing your risk natural health products can have potent effects on the body. While the intent is for positive health effects, there is also the potential for side effects. Therefore, before you take any self- selected or over-the-counter product, including a natural health product, you should take steps to be sure it is the correct product for you. You may wish to ask yourself some of the following questions:

? Why would I take this product?

? What are the benefits or results that I am seeking from taking this product?

? Is this the best product or approach to achieve those results, or are there better alternatives?

? What is the evidence that supports the safety and effectiveness of this product?

? What are the risks associated with taking this product? If you are unsure of the answers, or uncomfortable with your understanding of some of the issues, you should talk to a health care professional, such as your doctor, pharmacist, or complementary/alternative health care provider. You can reduce your risk of adverse effects by taking the following steps:

? Tell your doctor what you are taking and why.

? Use products that are approved. Look for a DIN, NPN or DIN-HM on the label.

? Be sceptical about health-related claims for potentially serious conditions. Consult your doctor about the appropriate use of these products. Do not rely on company advertisements or package information.

? Be aware of any reaction or interactions with other drugs you are taking. Report any adverse reaction to your doctor.

? Consult your health care provider before giving a natural health product to a child.

? Consult your health care provider before taking a health product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are a senior, have been diagnosed with a serious disease or significant previously diagnosed medical condition, or are scheduled for an operation.

You are encouraged to report any adverse reaction or interaction involving any health product you take, including natural health products, other over the-counter drugs, or prescription medications to your doctor or the authorities.