So, you bought a bottle of Designs for Health from Supplement First a few months ago. But you realize that your supplements have gone past the best by date! It begs you to question: Do supplements expire?
Yes and no. Supplements do not spoil in the traditional sense. Similar to alcohol, they are still safe to ingest even when it’s gone past the best by date. However, they become less potent and lose their quality over time.
But why? Read on to find out why supplements from stores like Supplement First lose quality and their average shelf life.
Do Supplements Expire? The Average Shelf Life
Most of the ingredients in supplements will gradually break down, becoming less effective over time.
Compared to prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, the US FDA does not require supplement manufacturers to include an expiration date on their packaging. However, you can still see some companies providing a “use by” or “best before” date on the label.
According to a senior research scientist at Amway, the typical shelf life for supplements is about two years. However, it will vary depending on the vitamin and conditions it’s exposed to. For instance, vitamin gummies and chewable vitamins tend to absorb more moisture than vitamins in tablet form; because of that, gummies and chewables degrade quicker.
But for vitamins in tablet form can retain their potency for a few years as long as you store them correctly. Make sure you store your supplements properly by keeping them in your bedroom drawer or linen closet, away from sources of heat and humidity. Also, make sure your supplement bottles are kept from light or sun, as they lose their potency quicker that way.
You may want to store them in the fridge for specific supplements like vitamin E, flaxseed, fish oil, or probiotics.
Is It Still Safe to Take “Spoiled” Supplements?
You might be wondering – what happens if I take supplements that were past their expiration date? Fortunately, it’s not likely for “expired” supplements to cause anyone harm. Again, supplements do not go bad and cause poisoning, unlike food. They do not become poisonous or toxic, and there haven’t been any documented cases of death or illnesses from expired supplements.
The best by dates you see on supplements are very conservative to make sure their customers receive quality products. That said, we don’t recommend waiting until past the expiration date to take your supplements! Those vitamins won’t be as potent, which is why it’s best to take them before their best date.
Are There Side Effects?
Again, it isn’t dangerous to take expired supplements, though it might be a waste of time and money to do so, as they most likely lose their potency. Before taking your vitamins, check the supplements. If they have changed colors or have a weird odor, do not take them and dispose of them right away. It’s best to purchase a new pack.
Wrapping It Up
While supplements do not expire, they lose their potency, so make sure you use them before it “expires!”
