Expired Supplements - Are They Safe?

Opening your shelf, you take down a bottle of supplements that you plan to consume for the day, only to find that it has crossed the expiry date. On one hand, you are hesitant to throw it out immediately (they're not cheap), but on the other you're wondering whether it's a good idea to let those pills into your system.

It's natural for us to stay away from expired goods as we have this conception that ingesting anything which has passed its expiry date is equal to swallowing poison. But does the same apply to vitamin supplements? 

Some ask, 'Do vitamins "expire"?' Strictly speaking, it doesn't decompose or rot like food (e.g. fruits or meats) but its chemical composition does break down gradually and this leads to a decrease in potency as well. So, while you will definitely not fall sick if you accidentally take expired supplements, the effects won't be as efficient as it should. The shelf life of most supplements is two years, but this may vary based upon to the environment/conditions it is exposed to.

While there's no documented proof to show that it's lethal to take expired supplements, it's best to dispose of it immediately, especially if it has a noticeable change in odor and color. And while you're at it, here are some ways you can do so without putting curious animals and children at risk:

• Mix it with ground coffee remnants/pet litter
• Put it into a sealed bag/container
• Throw the entire bottle into the trash

Another method you can practice is to know the proper ways of storing supplements to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Here are a few:

• Don't store it in your bathroom or kitchen as it has higher humidity. Instead, opt for your bedroom drawer
• Avoid exposing them to sunlight 
• Refrigerate if needed