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How Long Do Vitamins Last?

Water-soluble vitamins only stay in the body for a few hours, while fat-soluble vitamins can remain in the body for months. Since vitamin supplements break down when they reach their expiration date, they should be discarded.

  1. Shelf life

    • Vitamins should not be used past their expiration date. Once they expire, they begin to break down chemically and lose their potency.

    Vitamins

    • Vitamins are ingested through foods and are essential nutrients for the body to function properly. Vitamin D, found in milk, builds stronger bones, while vitamin A improves eyesight in low light.

    Fat-Soluble Vitamins

    • Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. These are stored in fat and the liver and can stay there for months. The body uses them when needed and only in small amounts. Do not consume vitamin supplements in excess to avoid toxicity.

    Water-Soluble Vitamins

    • Vitamin C and B-complex only stay in the body for a short time. They need to be consumed everyday. Once they pass through the blood stream and are used, they exit the body through urine.

    Disposal

    • When disposing of vitamins, ask a medical professional. You can also ask a drugstore how they dispose of their expired products. Vitamins should be not be thrown in the sink or flushed.

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