Supplements and Vitamins
Vitamins and supplements are not METC eligible unless they meet specific CRA drug criteria
Are supplements and vitamins CRA eligible in Canada?
No. The CRA explicitly states that vitamins and supplements are not eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC), even if prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Under ITA paragraph 118.2(2)(n), a drug must be one that "can lawfully be obtained for use by the person only if prescribed by a medical practitioner or dentist." Vitamins and supplements are available over the counter without a prescription, so they cannot satisfy this requirement regardless of whether a doctor prescribes them. Natural health products with DIN-HM (Homeopathic Medicine) numbers still need to meet the full 118.2(2)(n) requirements — having a DIN-HM alone does not make a product eligible.
A narrow exception exists for vitamin B12 therapy prescribed for pernicious anaemia, which is eligible under paragraph 118.2(2)(k). This provision covers various delivery methods for B12 therapy (including injections and other medically administered forms), not only injections. Outside of this specific medical condition and similarly narrow circumstances, vitamins and supplements do not qualify.
What Does Not Qualify
- Multivitamins, individual vitamins (A, C, D, E, etc.), and mineral supplements — even if prescribed by a medical practitioner
- Protein powders, athletic supplements, and general wellness products
- Herbal supplements and natural health products, including those with DIN-HM numbers, unless they independently meet all 118.2(2)(n) requirements
- Fish oil, probiotics, and other dietary supplements available over the counter
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vitamins and supplements CRA eligible?
Generally no. The CRA states that vitamins and supplements are not eligible even if prescribed, because they can be lawfully obtained without a prescription. The exception is vitamin B12 therapy for pernicious anaemia under paragraph 118.2(2)(k).
Can I claim supplements through my HSA?
Generally no. Most vitamins and supplements are not CRA-eligible medical expenses — even with a prescription — so they are not reimbursable through a Health Spending Account.
Source
Based on the CRA's official eligible medical expenses list and Income Tax Folio S1-F1-C1, "Drugs, medicaments and other preparations or substances".
This information is sourced from the Canada Revenue Agency's official Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) reference guide (lines 33099 and 33199). This is not tax advice. For the most current rulings, consult the CRA directly or speak with a qualified tax professional.
Based on CRA data last updated 2026-01-20. Page last reviewed 2026-03-20.