This infographic presents the results of a survey on natural health products. As part of the audit work, we asked Canadians about their experiences with natural health products. This audit work was for our 2021 Reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Report 2, Natural Health Products—Health Canada.

The survey contained 6 questions and 99% of respondents were Canadian residents.

Question 1: Do you believe that the Government of Canada assesses all natural health products sold in Canada for both safety and efficacy?

In response to Question 1,

• 25% of respondents answered Yes
• 75% of respondents answered No

Question 2:  How much do you trust the advertising for natural health products?

In response to Question 2,

• 6% of respondents answered that they very much trust the advertising
• 13% of respondents answered that they moderately trust the advertising
• 13% of respondents answered that they neither trust nor distrust the advertising
• 23% of respondents answered that they moderately distrust the advertising
• 45% of respondents answered that they very much distrust the advertising

Question 3:  How easy is it to read natural health product labels?

In response to Question 3, most respondents answered that natural health product labels are minimally easy to read. Four choices were given for answering this question:

• not easy at all
• minimally easy
• moderately easy
• very easy

Question 4:  In order of importance, which factors most influence your decision to purchase natural health products?

Question 4 asked survey respondents to rate 10 items in order of importance from not important to very important. In order of importance, the factors that influence the respondents’ decisions to purchase natural health products are as follows:

1. A credible source that indicates that the product has benefits
2. Label information
3. Recommended use
4. Where the product is made
5. Statements about health benefits
6. Price
7. Recommendations from family and friends
8. Advertising
9. Other
10. Recommendations from social media

Question 5: Where do you most often purchase your natural health products?

In response to Question 5,

• 51% of respondents answered that they most often purchase natural health products at pharmacies
• 24% of respondents answered that they most often purchase natural health products at stores specializing in natural health products
• 16% of respondents answered that they most often purchase natural health products at large retail and grocery stores
• 4% of respondents answered that they most often purchase natural health products online at Canadian retailers
• 2% of respondents answered that they most often purchase natural health products online at non‑Canadian retailers
• 3% of respondents answered that they most often purchase natural health products from health care professionals
• 0% of respondents answered that they most often purchase natural health products at dollar stores and other discount retailers

Question 6: Have you purchased any natural health products to help prevent or treat COVID‑19?

In response to Question 6,

• 14% of respondents answered Yes
• 86% of respondents answered No