The most important thing to note is that expired vitamins are not necessarily harmful. Taking an expired multivitamin won't make you sick, cause an adverse reaction (unless you're allergic to the ingredients), or adversely affect your health in any way. That said, taking an expired multivitamin won't have a positive impact on your health either. In general, it's relatively safe to take an expired vitamin supplement.
It's unlikely to cause harm, since most expired medications and supplements don't usually become toxic. Don't worry too much, your supplements are likely to last longer than you think. Proper storage means that vitamins are placed away from sunlight, from extremely high temperatures and protected from moisture, which means that your medicine cabinet isn't really ideal. Certain types of vitamins and supplements may also expire faster than others.
That compares to fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Taking expired vitamins is generally considered safe, but there is a downside. Moldy vitamins should not be consumed. This also includes people who may have a vitamin deficiency.
In addition, patients with osteoporosis require an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone health. Even your vitamins and supplements have an expiration date, although it may not appear on the package. It's not that they have a hard and fast date, after which it becomes dangerous to wear them. The reason they have expiration dates is that, over time, vitamins, supplements (and most medications) lose their potency. Some companies may claim that their products last forever, or at least for a seemingly inordinate period of time.
But do multivitamins expire? Let's learn more. Do multivitamins expire? Yes, but not the way you think. They don't “spoil” like food, but the ingredients break down over time, which decreases their potency. The FDA does not require supplement manufacturers to include an expiration date on their products.
However, some manufacturers, such as Nature Made, voluntarily put the expiration date on the vitamin package. While it probably won't hurt to take expired vitamins, you should throw them away and buy a new container for maximum nutritional potency. Even though vitamin E is an antioxidant and oxidation will be slower because of that, eventually vitamin E oil will start to smell bad. Military-funded research reports that 90% of the more than 100 prescription and over-the-counter drugs tested were still suitable for use even 15 years after their expiration date.
But what happens when vitamins aren't used before their expiration date? Do they break down or are they safe to take long after you've bought them? Here experts explain everything you need to know about expiration dates on vitamins. If a flip-up lid doesn't create a proper seal when closed, vitamins are exposed to more moisture causing them to break down more quickly. Remember that your body needs 13 essential vitamins (classified as fat-soluble and water-soluble) and at least 15 essential minerals for your health including vitamin A, all B vitamins (including folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. If you store vitamins in an area with high humidity such as the bathroom kit they can deteriorate more quickly.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require expiration dates for dietary supplements including vitamins and minerals. After all placing supplements in the places where you do your daily routines instills the habit of taking your vitamins every day. Because research shows that expired vitamins are generally safe to take these products are unlikely to cause side effects just because they're out of date. While a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce fatigue some vitamins and supplements can also increase energy.
The shelf life of multivitamins is based on the specific vitamin that loses its potency most quickly. Just keep in mind that certain groups of people may be at greater risk than others if they take expired vitamins. Unopened vitamin supplements are more likely to retain their potency because moisture light and oxygen are less likely to affect them. The bottom line is that while it's generally safe to take expired vitamins there are certain risks associated with doing so.
It's best to check with your doctor before taking any expired medications or supplements as they may no longer be effective or could even be dangerous if taken after their expiration date.
