Health Supplements
✅ How supplements are regulated in New Zealand
Health supplements such as vitamins, minerals, fish oil, probiotics, and herbal products are regulated under the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985.
Key points:
New Zealand is planning to update regulations under a new “Natural Health Products” framework.
Supplements are regulated by Medsafe and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Supplements can make general health-support claims (e.g., “supports heart health”)
❌ but cannot claim to cure or treat diseases (those would be medicines).
Products do not require pre-approval like medicines.
✅ Popular types of health supplements in New Zealand
Common supplements sold in NZ include:
- Multivitamins
- Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium
- Omega-3 / Fish Oil (very popular)
- Probiotics
- Herbal supplements
- Joint support (glucosamine, chondroitin)
- Bone health supplements
- Immune support formulas
These products are widely sold in:
- Chemist Warehouse
- Countdown / New World
- Health 2000
- Online stores
✅ Important things to know
Because supplements are not pre-approved:
- The quality and actual ingredient amounts may vary between brands.
- Companies must not make strong medical claims.
- Overuse of certain vitamins (A, D, iron, etc.) can cause health issues.
- Supplements should be used as support, not as a replacement for real food.
Experts recommend:
Use supplements only to fill nutritional gaps
Focus on a balanced diet first