Chemically, an antioxidant is “a molecule that slows a free radical chain reaction propagating the oxidation of lipids.” Biologically, oxidation is a natural process which contributes to aging, plays a role in the pathogenesis of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants act to mitigate negative effects resulting from the oxidation process in the body. Many phytochemicals (chemicals found in plants) are potent antioxidants (mostly fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts).

Canada's Food Guide is a daily eating plan designed to help people of all ages choose their food wisely. The Dietary Standard for Canada recommends a daily nutrient intake for Canadians, but because people select food and not nutrients, nutrient recommendations have been translated into food choices. The guide enables many individuals to meet their nutrient needs by following a simple daily food pattern based on 4 food groups. Each food group has its own key nutrients which are needed daily.

A combination of the terms “pharmaceutical” and “cosmetic,” Health Canada does not formally recognize the term “cosmeceutical,” however it is becoming an increasingly popular industry term. In general, these products are similar to, or may be natural health products, and are intended for improvement of the health of the skin or hair, commonly through prevention of the negative effects of aging. In Canada, a cosmetic can be marketed as an NHP only if it is able to meet specific NHP structure and function specifications. For more information on cosmetics as NHPs visit: www.hc-sc.gc.ca

“The endogenous components of plant material in the diet which are resistant to digestion by enzymes produced by humans. They are predominantly non-starch polysaccharides and lignin and may include, in addition, associated substances.” Dietary fibres may be partially or completely broken down through fermentation by bacteria in the large intestine. Dietary fibre is necessary to gastrointestinal health for its ability to promote regularity. Some dietary fibres offer functional benefits, for example through reduction of LDL cholesterol, and/or regulation of blood glucose levels.

In the United States, a dietary supplement is defined under DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, 1994) as a product taken by mouth that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. In Canada many of these dietary supplements would be considered as NHPs. For more information visit the US-FDA Centre for Food Safety and Drug Administration at: www.cfsan.fda.gov

Under the Food and Drugs Act, a drug includes any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or represented for use in:

• the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a disease, disorder or abnormal physical state, or its symptoms, in human beings or animals;

• restoring, correcting or modifying organic functions in human beings or animals;

• disinfection in premises in which food is manufactured, prepared or kept.

The NHP definition allows for a full range of health claims under the new NHP Regulations, including structure-function, risk reduction and therapeutic or treatment claims. A structure/function claim is related to the effect of an NHP on a human body structure or a physiological or mental function. A risk reduction claim type refers to reduction of a major risk factor for a chronic disease or abnormal physiological state. A treatment claim generally relates to the diagnosis, treatment or cure, mitigation or prevention of disease, disorder, abnormal physiological state or its symptoms. The amount and type of evidence required to make a claim is graduated, depending on the level of the health claim. Claims are assessed against evidence levels ranging from references to traditional uses to well-designed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized control trials.

An acronym commonly used to refer to the Functional Food and Natural Health Product industry.