Hi everyone,

I was just wondering: How readily available are vitamins and minerals over the counter in Canada? How regulated is the supplement industry over there?

I am rather fond of my daily vitamins and would hate not to be free and able to buy my supplements either online or over the counter due to some law/regulation that I don't know of.

Please share your thoughts and experience.

Thanks.
Cherry Jam

"Supplements" has rather a wide definition doesnt it?

What kind of supplements are you referring to?
Multitvitamins (etc) are available widely in supermarkets, pharmacies etc.

However the fact that your concerned about the legality suggests perhaps you're not talking about vitamins....

Hi Jericho

Thanks for the reply. Pardon me. I was indeed referring to the availability of multivitamins and additional digestive enzymes etc. in supermarkets/health stores.

I was just wondering whether one can buy it in a pharmacy or must it be prescribed by a medical doctor only. I would dread that though!

CJ

If you are refering to multivitamins and supplements like one-a-days, calcium, cold liver oil, that sort of thing, then get yourself to Costco.

Some stuff that's available OTC in the US or in Europe isn't available in Canada. I used to carry lots of Melantonin (sp?) from America and Quorn from the UK for various people.

I get my Melatonin from my local Rexall???

Maybe it eventually became legal in Canada. I was never well informed of the details, "get me some drugs" they said and I fetched drugs.

they dont do soluble vitamins here or i cant find them.

There is a store selling vitamins and supplements in every mall here.

GNC is in almost every mall along the 401 corridor....if you are feeling adventurous, there are cheaper online retailers from the US

Is this what you mean?

http://www.vitascorb.com/

They are available at GNC.

thats just vitamin c..im talking about multivitamin GNC dont carry it i have asked.

I have used a US supplier when I was in UK, if I use same supplier now I am in NS will I get hammered with duty and taxes? We take some specialist supplements.