Like other medicines and food, vitamins often have an expiration date. Vitamins can be taken after the expiration date on the label. The potency, how well the product works or causes a certain effect, may decrease over time.
It may be safe to take expired vitamins, but expired medications may not be effective. An “expiration date” is the last date a drug manufacturer can guarantee a medication is safe to use and works as it should at full strength. A drug’s “shelf life” is how long it is considered safe to use.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that drug manufacturers complete studies to determine the expiration and shelf life of products. However, it is not required for all vitamins and supplements.
Taking an expired vitamin is not likely to cause you any harm. The vitamin may not be as potent or work as well. People may take a vitamin to raise their levels of a certain nutrient, lower their risk of a health condition, or treat a specific health issue. If the vitamin supplement is not potent, it may not deliver the nutrients or health benefits a person wants or needs.
Most FDA-approved medications keep at least 70-80% of their potency for one to two years after the expiration date. Some medications are not recommended for use after expiration due to safety concerns. These include nitroglycerin, insulin, and certain antibiotics.
How To Tell If Your Supplement Is Expired
Read the label of your vitamin products to see the recommended expiration date or shelf life. Some drug companies also list a “best before” or “use by” date on the label of their products.
The shelf life of supplements is typically around two years, as long as they are stored properly. Vitamins in tablet or capsule form may be the most stable and safe to use after expiration if stored properly.
Chewable or gummy vitamins absorb moisture, so they may not last as long as tablets or capsules. This may be seen if the gummies are sticking to each other or are harder than usual. Liquid vitamins can degrade and break down the fastest, and can go bad before the expiration date if not stored properly.
If you notice a change in color, smell, texture, or consistency of a vitamin, it is best not to take it. This may be a sign that the product is not as potent or can make you sick. If you notice pills are sticking together, are cracked, or are softer than normal, they may not be safe to take.
All vitamins lose potency over time. Certain factors can speed up the process. Examples of factors that can affect potency include:
- Exposure to air or oxygen
- Exposure to direct light
- Exposure to moisture or humid environments
- Exposure to extremely high or low temperatures
There are multiple safe ways to dispose of expired medications. One way is to find a local take-back program that will safely dispose of medications for you. Some companies also offer prepaid mail-back envelopes you can use to send in old medication. Check with your local hospital, pharmacy, or government to see if they participate in medication take-back programs.
If you do not have any local medication take-back programs available, there are a few ways to safely dispose of medications on your own. Avoid throwing vitamins and other medications in the trash or putting them down a drain or toilet. Disposing of medications this way can be harmful to the environment. The FDA recommends the following steps to get rid of unwanted vitamins:
- Mix the vitamin product with undesirable material like used coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt.
- Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container, like a plastic drink bottle.
- Throw the container away in your usual trash.
If you are unsure about the best way to dispose of old vitamins, consult a pharmacist or other healthcare provider.
Proper storage of your vitamins can help maximize their shelf life. Tips for storing your vitamins include:
- Keep vitamins in a cool, dry space away from direct light. Avoid putting vitamins in hot or humid places like bathrooms, near the kitchen stove, or hot cars.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed and the drug in its original container.
- Take the cotton ball out of the drug bottle. The cotton brings moisture into the bottle.
- Keep vitamins out of reach of children or animals.
Talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about specific vitamin storage recommendations.
Vitamins are one of the most common supplements used by adults and children. Like other medicines and food, vitamins often have an expiration date. Although vitamins can be taken after the expiration date on the label, their potency may decrease over time.
If you notice a change in color, smell, texture, or consistency of a vitamin, it is best not to take it. You can get rid of expired vitamins by sending them to a medication take-back program or safely disposing of them.
Store vitamins in a cool, dry place. Avoid places that may be hot, humid, or consistently changing temperature, like your bathroom, car, or kitchen. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have more questions about expired vitamin products.
