JOINT HEALTH PRODUCTS

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This monograph is intended to serve as a guide to industry for the preparation of Product Licence Applications (PLAs) for natural health product market authorization. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the medicinal ingredients.

Notes

Date

March 28, 2024

Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source information

Table 1. Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source information1
Proper name(s) Common name(s) Source information
Source ingredient(s) Source material(s) Part(s) Preparation(s)
  • all-trans-beta-Carotene
  • beta-Carotene
  • all-trans-beta-Carotene
  • beta-Carotene
beta-Carotene N/A N/A As per NNHPD Multi- Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph
Boron Boron As per NNHPD Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph N/A N/A As per NNHPD Multi- Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph
Boswellia serrata
  • Boswellia
  • Indian frankincense
  • Indian olibanum
  • Indian olibanum-tree
  • Shallaki
N/A Boswellia serrata
  • Stem bark oleogum resin
  • Trunk bark oleogum resin
Dry
Fruit bromelain
  • Fruit bromelain
  • Juice bromelain
  • Pineapple fruit bromelain
N/A
  • Ananas comosus var. bracteatus
  • Ananas comosus var. comosus
Fruit Isolate
Stem bromelain
  • Bromelain
  • Pineapple stem bromelain
  • Stem bromelain
N/A
  • Ananas comosus var. bracteatus
  • Ananas comosus var. comosus
Stem Isolate
Calcium Calcium As per NNHPD Multi- Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph N/A N/A As per NNHPD Multi- Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph
Chondroitin sulfate2 Chondroitin sulfate Sodium chondroitin sulfate
  • Anas platyrhynchos
  • Anser anser
  • Bos taurus
  • Cygnus olor
  • Dromaius
  • novaehollandiae
  • Gallus gallus
  • Meleagris gallopavo
  • Numida meleagris
  • Rhea americana
  • Struthio camelus
  • Sus scrofa
Cartilage Isolate
(1E,6E)-1,7-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione Curcumin N/A Curcuma longa Rhizome Isolate
Curcumin N/A N/A Synthetic
Curcuminoids Curcuminoids N/A Curcuma longa Rhizome Isolate
Curcuma longa
  • Common turmeric
  • Curcuma
  • Indian-saffron
  • Jianghuang
  • Turmeric
  • Yellow ginger
N/A Curcuma longa Rhizome Dry
Harpagophytum procumbens
  • Devil's claw
  • Grapple plant
  • Wood spider
N/A Harpagophytum procumbens Secondary root tubers Dry
Harpagophytum zeyheri
  • Devil's claw
  • Grapple plant
  • Wood spider
N/A Harpagophytum zeyheri
Fish oil3 Fish oil N/A
  • Ammodytidae
  • Carangidae
  • Clupeidae
  • Engraulidae
  • Gadidae4
  • Osmeridae
  • Salmonidae
  • Scrombridae
Whole N/A
2-Amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranose hydrochloride
  • Glucosamine HCl
  • Glucosamine hydrochloride
Glucosamine hydrochloride
  • Crab5
  • Krill5
  • Lobster5
  • Prawn5
  • Shrimp5
Exoskeleton Isolate
  • Aspergillus flavus var. oryzae
  • Aspergillus melleus
  • Aspergillus niger
  • Aspergillus niger var. awamori
  • Monascus pilosus
  • Monascus purpureus
  • Rhizopus oryzae
Whole Fermented
2-Amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose sulfate Glucosamine sulfate
  • Glucosamine Sulfate
  • Potassium Chloride
  • Glucosamine Sulfate
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Crab5
  • Krill5
  • Lobster5
  • Prawn5
  • Shrimp5
Exoskeleton Isolate
  • Aspergillus flavus var. oryzae
  • Aspergillus melleus
  • Aspergillus niger
  • Aspergillus niger var. awamori
  • Monascus pilosus
  • Monascus purpureus
  • Rhizopus oryzae
Whole Fermented
Hyaluronic acid6 Hyaluronic acid Sodium hyaluronate Gallus gallus Comb Isolate
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Sodium hyaluronate
Streptococcus equi Bacterial extracellular capsule Fermented
Hydrolyzed collagen7
  • Collagen hydrolysate
  • Hydrolyzed collagen
N/A Bovine
    Bovine skin/hide split
N/A
Porcine
  • Bone
  • Skin
Fish
  • Bone
  • Skin
Chicken Cartilage
Magnesium Magnesium As per NNHPD Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph N/A N/A As per NNHPD Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph
Manganese Manganese
  • Dimethyl sulfone
  • Methylsulfonylmethane
  • Sulfonylbismethane
  • Methylsulfo-nylmethane
  • MSM
Dimethyl sulfone N/A N/A Synthetic
Vitamin A Vitamin A As per NNHPD Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph N/A N/A As per NNHPD Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph
Vitamin C Vitamin C
Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D2
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D3
Vitamin K1 Vitamin K1
Vitamin K2 Vitamin K2
Willow bark Willow bark N/A
  • Salix alba
  • Salix daphnoides
  • Salix purpura
  • Salix x fragilis
  • Bark
  • Young branch bark
Dry

1References: Proper names: NIHa 2023, RSC 2023, USP-NF 2023, USDA 2023, Martindale 2012, Ph.Eur. 2012, , ICIDH 2008, Kralovec and Barrow 2008, Towheed and Anastassiades 2007, IUBMB 1992. Common names: NIHa 2023, RSC 2023, USP-NF 2023, PPRC 2015, BP 2012, Martindale 2012, Ph.Eur. 2012, Goel et al. 2008, ICIDH 2008, Kralovec and Barrow 2008, Towheed and Anastassiades 2007, Boon and Smith 2004, McGuffin et al. 2000, Moskowitz 2000, IUBMB 1992, Deodhar et al. 1980. Source information: ITIS 2023, NIHb 2023, RSC 2023, USDA 2023, USP-NF 2023, Froese and Pauly. 2018, EMA 2017, PPRC 2015, Martindale 2012, Ph.Eur. 2012, Schauss et al. 2012, Sitanggang et al. 2012, EP 2011, FCC 8 2012, Khan and Abourashed 2010, Evans 2009, Yoshida et al. 2009, Goel et al. 2008, Kalman et al. 2008, Kralovec and Barrow 2008, Sato and Iwaso 2008, Chmielowski et al. 2007, Schrieber and Gareis 2007, Dahiya et al 2006, Chong et al. 2005, Boon and Smith 2004, Wichtl 2004, Baziwane and He 2003, ESCOP 2003, Barnes et al. 2002, Sato et al. 2002, Blumenthal et al. 2000, BHC 1992, Deodhar et al. 1980.

2Cartilage must be derived from healthy and domestic animals used for food by humans (USP-NF 2023).

3Corresponds to oil from the whole body of one or more of species of the families listed in Table 1 in its natural and/or concentrated triglyceride/triacylglycerol form and/or its concentrated esterified form (BP 2023; Ph.Eur. 2023; Froese and Pauly 2022). The species common names and not the family could be listed on the label.

4For fish oils including species of Gadidae as a source material, the vitamin A and D content should be tested to ensure that the daily maximum amounts meet the Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for each age group.

5The specific organisms used as source material(s) must be indicated in the Animal Tissue Form (ATF); simply indicating “crustaceans” is insufficient.

6The stabilizing salt (i.e. sodium) if present should be indicated.

7For the purpose of this monograph, hydrolyzed collagen has no jelling power and is soluble in cold water (Schrieber and Gareis 2007; Moskowitz 2000). The average molecular weight of hydrolyzed collagen is approximately 4 kDa (i.e. 2-6 kDa) (Moskowitz 2000; Oesser et al. 1999).

Route of administration

Oral

Dosage form(s)

This monograph excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of Monographs Guidance Document.

Acceptable dosage forms for oral use are indicated in the dosage form drop-down list of the web-based Product Licence Application form for Compendial applications.

Use(s) or Purpose(s)

Refer to Tables 2 and 3.

Notes:

Dose(s)

Subpopulation(s)

Adults 18 years and older

Quantity(ies)

Refer to Tables 2 and 3.

Note: When 'decoction' or 'infusion' is listed as an acceptable method of preparation, 'decoction concentrate' or 'infusion concentrate' is also allowed. It also applies to standardized methods of preparation.

Table 2. Joint health uses or purposes and associated daily doses
Medicinal ingredients Uses or purposes1 Methods of preparation Dose/day Single dose
Minimum2 Maximum3 Maximum single dose3
Boswellia serrata Helps relieve joint pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Standardized Extracts 999 mg extracts standardized to 40% boswellic acid 999 mg extracts standardized to 40% boswellic acid 333 mg extracts standardized to 40% boswellic acid
Chondroitin sulfate Helps relieve (joint) pain associated with osteoarthritis (of the knee). Isolate 800 mg 1,200 mg N/A
Curcumin Helps relieve joint pain and inflammation. Isolate 1,200 mg 1,200 mg 400 mg
Curcuminoids Helps relieve joint pain and inflammation. Isolate 1,500 mg

Optional: The potency constituent, curcumin, can be included
1,500 mg

Optional: The potency constituent, curcumin, can be included
500 mg
Turmeric
(concentrated extracts)
Helps relieve joint pain and inflammation. Standardized Extracts Extract standardized to 75% curcuminoids or more; Providing 1,500 mg curcuminoids

Optional: The potency constituent, curcumin, can be included
Extract standardized to 75% curcuminoids or more; Providing 1,500 mg curcuminoids

Optional: The potency constituent, curcumin, can be included
Extract standardized to 75% curcuminoids or more; Providing 500 mg curcuminoids
Turmeric
(native extracts)4
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve joint pain. Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract*, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Infusion) 1,000 mg dried rhizome; For dry extracts, maximum ratio is 10:1 9,000 mg dried rhizome; For dry extracts, maximum ratio is 10:1 N/A
Standardized Extracts Extracts providing up to 35% curcuminoids and a Quantity crude equivalent of 1,000 mg dried rhizome

Optional: The potency constituent, curcumin, can be included
Extracts providing up to 35% curcuminoids and a Quantity crude equivalent of 9,000 mg dried rhizome

Optional: The potency constituent, curcumin, can be included
Devil's claw Used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract*, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Infusion) 600 mg dried secondary root tubers 7,500 mg dried secondary root tubers N/A
Fish oil5 In conjunction with conventional therapy, helps reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Standardized fixed oil 2,800 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with a EPA:DHA ratio of 0.5:1-2:1 5,000 mg EPA + DHA with a EPA:DHA ratio of 0.5:1-2:1 N/A
Glucosamine hydrochloride Helps maintain healthy cartilage/joint health. Isolate 1,500 mg 2,000 mg N/A
Glucosamine sulfate
  • Helps relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis (of the knee).
  • Helps protect against the deterioration of cartilage.
  • A factor in maintaining healthy cartilage and/or joint health.
Isolate 1,500 mg 1,500 mg N/A
Hyaluronic acid Helps support joint health. Isolate 48 mg (sourced from Gallus gallus comb) 120 mg (sourced from Gallus gallus comb) N/A
120 mg (sourced from microbial fermentation) 200 mg (sourced from microbial fermentation)
Hydrolyzed collagen
  • Helps reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
  • Helps reduce osteoarthritis-related joint pain.
  • Helps manage/in the management of joint pain.
Isolate 1,200 mg 10,000 mg N/A
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Helps relieve (joint) pain associated with osteoarthritis (of the knee). N/A 1,500 mg 6,000 mg 2,000 mg
Willow bark Used in Herbal Medicine to relieve minor joint pain (due to osteoarthritis). Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Infusion) 3,000 mg dried (young branch) bark 9,000 mg dried (young branch) bark 3,000 mg dried (young branch) bark
Standardized Extracts Extract providing up to 15% total salicin equivalent to 45 mg total salicin Extract providing up to 15% total salicin equivalent to 240 mg total salicin Extract providing up to 15% total salicin equivalent to 120 mg total salicin

1At least two of the following references were consulted per use or purpose: EMA 2017; Bruyère et al. 2012; Benito-Ruiz et al. 2009; Yoshida et al. 2009; Clark et al. 2008; Winston and Kuhn 2008; Herrero-Beaumont et al. 2007; Mazières et al. 2007; Sontakke et al. 2007; Towheed and Anastassiades 2007; Kim et al. 2006; Mills and Bone 2005; Uebelhart et al. 2004; Usha and Naidu 2004; Braham et al. 2003; ESCOP 2003; Hoffmann 2003; Kimmatkar et al. 2003; Pavelka et al. 2002; Sato et al. 2002; Mazières et al. 2001; Reginster et al. 2001; Thie et al. 2001; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Mills and Bone 2000; Volker et al. 2000; Houpt et al. 1999; Bourgeois et al. 1998; Bucsi and Poor 1998; Uebelhart et al. 1998; Sköldstam et al. 1992; Deodhar et al. 1980.

2At least one of the following references was consulted per minimum dose: EMA 2017; Bruyère et al. 2012; Benito-Ruiz et al. 2009; WHO 2009; Yoshida et al. 2009; Clark et al. 2008; Kalman et al. 2008; Herrero-Beaumont et al. 2007; Mezieres et al. 2007; Sontakke et al. 2007; Fitzpatrick 2005; Mills and Bone 2005; Boon and Smith 2004; Uebelhart et al. 2004; Usha and Naidu 2004; Wichtl 2004; ESCOP 2003; Hoffmann 2003; Kimmatkar et al. 2003; Williamson 2003; Barnes et al. 2002; Pavelka et al. 2002; Mezieres et al. 2001; Reginster et al. 2001; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Volker et al. 2000; Houpt et al. 1999; Bucsi and Poor 1998; Uebelhart et al. 1998; Deodhar et al. 1980.

3At least one of the following references was consulted per maximum dose: EMA 2017; Bruyère et al. 2012; Benito-Ruiz et al. 2009; WHO 2009; Clark et al. 2008; Sato et Iwaso 2008; Herrero-Beaumont et al. 2007; Sontakke et al. 2007; Hathcock and Shao 2006; Kim et al. 2006; Mills and Bone 2005; Boon and Smith 2004; Wichtl 2004; Braham et al. 2003; ESCOP 2003; Kimmatkar et al. 2003; Williamson 2003; Barnes et al. 2002; Pavelka et al. 2002; Sato et al. 2002; Reginster et al. 2001; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Bourgeois et al. 1998; US FDA 1997; BHC 1992; Deodhar et al. 1980.

4Turmeric: Refer to the Turmeric monograph for more information on native extracts.

5Fish oil: The EPA:DHA ratio for fish oil must be between 0.5:1 and 2:1 (Volker et al. 2000; Sköldstam et al. 1992) and potency must be expressed as the quantity (mg) and/or percent (%) of EPA and DHA (% w/w) relative to the total quantity of fish oil.

*Note: For Devil's claw and Turmeric, solvents allowed for the method of preparation “Non-standardized extracts (Dry extract)” as part of this monograph are ethanol and/or water only.

The following claims are only acceptable in addition to at least one claim from Table 2 above. A joint health product cannot contain only ingredients and claims from Table 3.

Table 3. Additional uses or purposes (optional) and associated daily doses
Medicinal ingredients Uses or purposes1 Methods of preparation Dose/day Single dose
Minimum2 Maximum3 Maximum/ single dose3
beta-Carotene
  • Provitamin A/Source of vitamin A to help in the development and maintenance of bones.
  • Helps in the development and maintenance of bones.
N/A 390 µg 18,000 µg N/A
Boron4 Helps maintain healthy calcium metabolism. N/A 0.7 mg 3.36 mg4 N/A
Fruit Bromelain5
Stem Bromelain5
Used in herbal medicine to help relieve minor pain, swelling and inflammation. Isolate 480,000 FCC papain units (PU)5 130,000,000 FCC PU5 45,000,000 FCC PU
Calcium
  • Adequate calcium (and vitamin D) (throughout life) as part of a healthy diet, (along with physical activity) may help prevent bone loss/osteoporosis (in peri- and postmenopausal women) (in later life).
  • Adequate calcium (and vitamin D) (throughout life) as part of a healthy diet, (along with physical activity) may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis (in peri- and postmenopausal women) (in later life).
  • As part of a healthy diet (when taken with Vitamin D) may help prevent bone loss/osteoporosis.
  • Helps in the development and maintenance of bones.
  • Helps maintain/support bone health.
N/A 65 mg 1,500 mg N/A
Magnesium Helps in the development and maintenance of bones. N/A 20 mg 500 mg N/A
Manganese Helps in the development and maintenance of bones. N/A 0.13 mg 9 mg N/A
Vitamin A
  • Helps in the development and maintenance of bones.
  • Helps build strong bones
N/A 65 µg RAE all-trans Retinol: 3,003 µg RAE N/A
all-trans Retinyl acetate: 3,000 µg RAE
all-trans Retinyl palmitate: 3,022 µg RAE
Vitamin C
  • Helps in the development and maintenance of bones.
  • Helps in collagen formation to maintain/support healthy bones.
N/A 6 mg 2,000 mg N/A
Vitamin D
  • Helps in the development and maintenance of bones.
  • Vitamin D intake, when combined with sufficient calcium, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
N/A 1 µg 25 µg N/A
Vitamin K1 Vitamin K2 and total Vitamin K1 + K2 Helps in the maintenance of bones. N/A 6 µg 120 µg N/A

1At least two of the following references were consulted per use or purpose: HC 2018; Hunt 2012; FDA 2008; Tang et al. 2007; IOM 2006; NAMS 2006; Shils et al. 2006; Devirian and Volpe 2003; Brown and Josse 2002; Walker et al. 2002; Groff and Gropper 2000; NIH 2001; Blumenthal 1998; IOM 1997; Nielsen et al. 1987.

2At least one of the following references was consulted per minimum daily dose: HC 2018; Hunt 2012; IOM 2006; Walker et al. 2002; Blumenthal 1998.

3At least one of the following references was consulted per maximum daily dose: HC 2018; Hunt 2012; IOM 2006; Kerkhoffs et al. 2004; Singer et al. 2001.

4Boron: Specific rule for boron for products providing more than 0.7 mg of boron per day. Refer to the 'Notes” section below.

5Fruit bromelain/Stem bromelain: One papain unit (PU) is defined as that quantity of enzyme that liberates the equivalent of 1 microgram of tyrosine per hour under the conditions of the assay (FCC 8 2012). One gelatin digestion unit (GDU) is approximately equivalent to 15,000 FCC papain unit (1 GDU ≈ 15,000 FCC PU). Dose information may include the quantities of both the enzyme preparation and its enzymatic activity. The enzymatic activity quantity may be indicated in the Quantity/Unit field and its quantity of enzyme preparation in mg or ml in the Additional Quantity/Unit field.

Notes:

Direction(s) for use

Table 4. Direction(s) for use
Medicinal ingredients Daily dose Directions for use1
Boron 0.7 mg or more boron when the claim associated with boron is made and if the product formulation does not also contain amounts of vitamin D and calcium that meet the minimum doses from the NNHPD Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplement monograph. Take with vitamin D and calcium.
  • Fruit Bromelain
  • Stem Bromelain
All doses (Optional) Take with food.
Calcium All doses Take with food, a few hours before or after taking other medications or natural health products.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 1,500 mg or more MSM
  • Take with food.
  • Avoid taking at bedtime.

1The following references were consulted for the directions for use: Boron: Devirian and Volpe 2003; Zittermann 2003; Calcium: Sweetman 2015, IOM 2011, ASHP 2005; MSM: Kim et al. 2006.

Combination rules

Duration(s) of use

Notes

Minimum duration(s) of use

Table 5. Minimum duration(s) of use
Medicinal ingredients Minimum durations of use1
Hydrolyzed collagen Use for at least 5 months to see beneficial effects.
Chondroitin sulfate Use for at least 3 months to see beneficial effects.
Devil's claw Use for at least 2-3 months to see beneficial effects.
Boswellia Use for at least 2 months to see beneficial effects.
Glucosamine hydrochloride Use for at least1 month to see beneficial effects.
Glucosamine sulfate
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

1At least one of the following references was consulted per duration of use: Bruyère et al. 2012; Benito-Ruiz et al. 2009; Clark et al. 2008; Bjordal et al. 2007; Mehta et al. 2007; Sontakke et al. 2007; Kim et al. 2006; Usha and Naidu 2004; ESCOP 2003; Kimmatkar et al. 2003; Houpt et al. 1999; Qiu et al. 1998.

Maximum duration(s) of use

Products containing bromelain

Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician for prolonged use

Products containing willow bark

Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician for use beyond 6 weeks (Beer and Wegener 2008; Biegert et al. 2004).

Risk Information

Caution(s) and warning(s)

Products providing more than 2.8 g of hydrolyzed collagen per day or any other medicinal ingredient from Table 2 at any dose (except products containing willow bark requiring a contraindication)

Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

(Joint) pain (and swelling) associated with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician if symptoms worsen.

Joint inflammation/anti-inflammatory/minor pain, swelling and inflammation relief

Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician if symptoms persist or worsen.

Products containing following medicinal ingredients

Table 6. Caution(s) and warning(s)
Medicinal ingredients Daily dose Cautions and warnings1
beta-Carotene More than 6,000 µg Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you are a tobacco smoker.
Boron More than 0.7 mg Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you have been diagnosed with estrogen-dependant cancer or have a kidney disorder.
  • Fruit Bromelain
  • Stem Bromelain
All doses
  • Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you have gastrointestinal lesions/ulcers or are having a surgery.
  • Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you are taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory agents or antibiotics.
Curcumin All doses
  • Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you are taking blood thinners.
  • Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you have a biliary disorder.
Fish oil and willow bark combined All doses Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you are having a surgery.
Manganese More than 5 mg Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before if you have a liver disorder.
Turmeric All doses Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you have a biliary disorder.
Vitamin K1 and/or K2 All doses Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you are taking blood thinners.
Willow bark All doses
  • Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you have asthma or peptic ulcer disease.
  • Ask a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician before use if you are taking blood thinners or products containing salicylates (such as acetylsalicylic acid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

1The following references were consulted for the caution and warning statements: beta-Carotene: Touvier et al. 2005; Omenn et al. 1996; ATBC 1994; Boron: Usuda et al. 1996; Nielsen et al. 1992; Fruit/Stem Bromelain: Martindale 2011; Brinker 2010; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Curcumin: Brinker 2010; ESCOP 2003; McGuffin et al. 1997; Curcumin : Brinker 2010; Mills and Bone 2005; ESCOP 2003; McGuffin et al. 1997; Fish oil and willow bark combined: Block et al. 2012, 2013; Larson et al. 2008; Manganese: IOM 2006; IOM 2001; Krieger et al. 1995; Turmeric: Brinker 2010; ESCOP 2003; McGuffin et al. 1997; Vitamin K1, K2: ASHP 2005; Franco et al 2004; IOM 2001; Hansten et al 1997; Willow bark: EMA 2017.

Contraindication(s)

Products containing willow bark

Known adverse reaction(s)

Products containing boswellia and/or bromelain

Stop use if hypersensitivity/allergy occurs (Martindale 2011; Brinker 2010; WHO 2009; Murray and Pizzorno 2006; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Baur and Fruhmann 1979).

Products containing boswellia, bromelain, hydrolyzed collagen, methysulfonylmethane and/or willow bark

When using this product you may experience gastrointestinal discomfort/disturbances (EMA 2017; Martindale 2011; Brinker 2010; Sontakke et al. 2007; Brien et al. 2006; Wichtl 2004; ESCOP 2003; Kimmatkar et al. 2003; Barnes et al. 2002; Blumenthal et al. 2000; McGuffin 2000; Moskowitz 2000).

Products providing more than 350 mg magnesium per day

When using this product you may experience diarrhoea (IOM 2006, IOM 1997).

Non-medicinal ingredients

Must be chosen from the current Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) and must meet the limitations outlined in that database.

Storage conditions

Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the Natural Health Products Regulations.

Products containing fish oil, except those encapsulated

Refrigerate after opening (Wille and Gonus 1989).

Products containing fish oil (information for industry; not for labelling)

To be packaged in airtight container, protected from light (Ph.Eur. 2023; USP-NF 2023).

Products containing hydrolyzed collagen (information for industry; optional for labelling depending on the packaging)

To be protected from heat and moisture (Ph.Eur. 2023).

Specifications

EXAMPLE OF PRODUCT FACTS:

Consult the Guidance Document, Labelling of Natural Health Products for more details.

Product Facts Table

References cited

References reviewed