A majority of Canadians believe natural health products are better for them than prescription drugs – that's according to a new Angus Reid poll.

The poll was commissioned by Health Canada and covers Canadian attitudes towards natural remedies.

The study also found many Canadians oppose medicare coverage for natural health products.

Overall, Canadians felt positive about natural health products. But it some wonder about the cost, necessity and quality of the products.

Canadians bought $1.8 billion worth of vitamins, minerals and herbal products in 1999. That sector is expected to leap another 20 per cent in 2000.

It also says most Canadians don't think the government should promote the "unproven" use of natural drugs. The study found most Canadians think the labeling information on natural medicines isn't good enough and think the government should get involved in regulating the industry.

Health Canada has created an office of Natural Health Products which is holding consultations with Canadians this summer about regulating natural health products. The group is looking at labeling, quality and health claims.

The poll found 68 per cent of Canadians use nutritional supplements to ward off illness, prolong their lives and to keep them looking better.

"While vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements used to be highly optional and even suspect additions to a health diet, they are now taking a regular seat at the table in many Canadian households," says Nancy Gabor, Angus Reid healthcare analyst.

People living in B.C and Alberta topped the list of "pill-poppers" while those living in the Atlantic provinces use supplements the least.

The poll also found that 72 per cent of affluent and educated households used nutritional supplements.

The poll was completed in March. It is based on a randomly selected sample of 1,501 Canadians.

Natural health products fall under regulations of the federal Food and Drugs Act.