On March 1, 2026, changes regarding the circulation of dietary supplements came into effect in Russia. The key change is the transfer of authority to prescribe them exclusively to healthcare professionals. Only doctors, paramedics, and obstetricians will be able to prescribe dietary supplements, but only if this function is expressly stipulated in their job descriptions.
The main requirements of the new order:
– The prescription of dietary supplements is permitted only if there are clear medical indications.
– The patient’s card must now include detailed information: the name of the supplement, the recommended dosage regimen, the duration of the course, and the doctor’s justification for the prescription.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that these measures are aimed at regulating the market for dietary supplements and preventing their uncontrolled use by patients. The experimental legal regime will remain in effect until March 1, 2031.
Important context: Until September 1, 2025, healthcare professionals effectively lacked the legal right to prescribe dietary supplements as part of their medical care; this gap has now been addressed.
