First of all: what’s the difference between vitamins and supplements?
How long do vitamins last?
The shelf life of vitamins and supplements varies by product.
Other companies may choose to list a manufacturing date instead.
Expiry timelines are specific to each formulation in each product.
If youre unsure if your product is expired, check with the manufacturer regarding the specific product.
Is it safe to take expired vitamins & are there side effects?
for that matter, beyond that date."
Soin general, taking vitamins or supplements past theiruse-bydate is not recommended.
What affects a vitamin’s expiration date?
Several factors can affect a vitamin expiration date, including packaging, storage, ingredients, and composition.
punch in of vitamin.
Clean hands and secure packaging can go a long way to mitigate these things."
Sometimes a shorter expiry has more to do with texture and palatability.
The makeup of the vitamin.
The ingredients inside the vitamin can also be determinants of long or shorter shelf life.
The shelf-stability of probiotics will vary depending on their bacterial makeup.
Different strains of probiotics have different sensitivity levels, which can prevent or allow them to be freeze-dried.
This is what differentiatesrefrigerated probioticsfrom shelf-stable probiotics.
The container (and the lid).
“Amber glass has light-filtering properties, protecting against UV light, Ferira says.
In terms of the lid, experts recommend keeping the lid sealed until you plan to take them.
How they’re stored.
It’s best to store vitamins in a cool, dark place.
What about on-the-go or travel containers for vitamin storage?
How to dispose of vitamins and supplements.
To properly dispose of vitamins and supplements, follow the instructions on the packaging.
If the product isnot safe to flush, follow these FDA recommendations2for disposal:
