Maroc - dailynews.co.za - Lifestyle - 30/12/2024 08:17

Do vitamins expire? A guide to shelf life and potency

The supplement industry is booming with global sales expected to surpass $230 billion by 2027. Whether it's a multivitamin for overall health, omega-3s for heart health or a collagen supplement for glowing skin, chances are you've bought a bottle or two.But here's a question: have you ever glanced at a bottle of vitamins and noticed a "best by" date? What does it mean, and does it matter if you take vitamins past that date? Let’s break it down.Vitamins don't "expire" like food. The term "expire" might make you think of spoiled milk or mouldy bread but vitamins don’t go bad in the same way.Unlike perishable foods, expired vitamins won’t make you sick. Instead, they lose potency over time. That means they may not deliver the full nutritional benefits you’re expecting.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require expiration dates on dietary supplements, but most manufacturers include them to indicate when the product reaches the end of its peak effectiveness.That "best by" or "use by" date is essentially a guideline for when the vitamins are most potent.If you’re taking vitamins to address specific deficiencies or health concerns, using them after they’ve lost potency might not give you the results you need. Picture: PexelsWhen vitamins lose potency, they’re simply not as effective as shown below. Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, it may degrade faster than other nutrients, leaving you with less protection during cold and flu season.B-complex vitamins: These water-soluble vitamins also tend to lose potency quickly, meaning you may not get the energy-boosting benefits you’re hoping for.Fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K): These tend to remain stable for longer periods but still decline over time.If you’re taking vitamins to address specific deficiencies or health concerns, using them after they’ve lost potency might not give you the results you need.Factors that affect vitamin shelf lifeNot all supplements lose potency at the same rate. Here’s how different factors can impact their shelf life:Form of the vitaminTablets and capsules: These are more stable and tend to last longer.Gummies: These degrade faster due to their moisture content.Powders and liquids: These can lose potency more quickly because they are exposed to air and moisture.Storage conditionsVitamins are sensitive to heat, moisture and light. The worst places to store them? Your kitchen or bathroom. These areas are warm and humid, which can cause vitamins to break down faster.Best storage tip: Keep your vitamins in a cool, dry place like a closet or bedside drawer, away from direct sunlight.When should you stop taking vitamins?While vitamins rarely "go bad" in a way that makes them harmful, there are exceptions. If you notice any of the following, stop using them immediately:Mould or discolouration: Vitamins should look the same as when you bought them. Any change in colour, texture, or appearance is a red flag.Unpleasant smell: A sour or rancid smell could indicate contamination or degradation.Clumping or stickiness: This is common in gummies or powder-based vitamins and suggests exposure to moisture.If your vitamins show any of these signs, throw them out and replace them.How to safely dispose of expired vitaminsYou shouldn’t just toss expired vitamins in the trash or flush them down the toilet. The FDA recommends a safer disposal method:1. Remove the vitamins from their bottle and place them in a sealable bag.2. Mix the vitamins with an undesirable substance like used coffee grounds or cat litter. This prevents others (or animals) from consuming them.3. Seal the bag and throw it in the trash.Alternatively, you can check if your community has a drug take-back program. These centres accept expired or unused medications and supplements, ensuring they’re disposed of properly.