The Lifespan of Vitamins

Taking a vitamin supplement is a popular way to make sure your family meets their nutritional needs everyday. However, like any food product, vitamin supplements can expire.

Stay Regular!

• Vitamins help bodies grow, when taken regularly.

  If you bought a vitamin supplement, it was because you wanted the health benefits it provides. This means that you should be taking it regularly -- otherwise it won't be effective. Most vitamins should be taken once or twice daily, and if you follow the instructions on the packaging, you should run out before the expiration date. If you've stopped taking your vitamin supplement, dispose of it safely to avoid confusion.

Keep it Cool

• Vitamins and water are a bad mix.

  Vitamins need to be stored correctly. If stored in inappropriate conditions, they can expire before their due date or lose potency. Always store vitamins in a cool, dry and dark area. When exposed to light, heat and humidity, vitamins will begin to break down at a much faster rate, especially chewable supplements such as Vitamin C and some children's vitamins. This means the bathroom cabinet is off-limits as the bathroom is the most humid room in the house, and never keep vitamins in the fridge.

It's a Date

• Old vitamins loose their potency.

  Never take vitamins that have reached or gone past their expiration date. These dates are conservative estimates, however, vitamins that have been in your home for a long period of time have likely lost much of their nutritional value, and you would be much better off simply purchasing a new stock.