Americans spend billions of dollars on vitamins and dietary supplements each year, yet many of those products eventually end up forgotten in kitchen drawers and bathroom cabinets.
When they resurface months or even years later, consumers are often left wondering whether they should be discarded immediately.
According to reporting by EatingWell, pharmacists say expiration dates on supplements are commonly misunderstood.
Unlike prescription medicines, dietary supplements are not always required to carry expiration dates, and when manufacturers include them, they often relate to how long the product is expected to maintain its full potency.
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More than a date
Rather than becoming unsafe overnight, many supplements gradually lose strength as they age. That means a vitamin or mineral may still be usable after its listed date, but it may not deliver the same level of effectiveness.
How a supplement is stored can make a significant difference. Products kept in cool, dry conditions generally remain stable longer than those exposed to humidity, heat or direct sunlight.
Certain forms, including gummies, oils and probiotic supplements, may be more vulnerable to degradation than traditional tablets, capsules and powders.
Signs to watch for
Pharmacists told EatingWell that consumers should focus on the condition of a supplement, not just the date on the label. Changes in appearance can be a warning that quality has declined.
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Discoloration, unusual odors, clumping, moisture damage or visible mold are all signs that a product should be discarded, regardless of when it was purchased.
People who rely on supplements to support specific nutritional needs may also want to be more cautious, as reduced potency could affect the intended benefit.
Safe disposal
When it is time to get rid of old supplements, experts recommend using pharmacy take-back programs where available.
If that is not an option, supplements can be sealed with undesirable household waste before being placed in the trash. Flushing them down the toilet is discouraged because of potential environmental impacts.
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