If you’ve ever wondered if supplements from brands like Vital Nutrients from Supplement First expire, you’re bound to get slightly confusing answers. Yes and no, supplements do expire, but not in the way you’d expect. Rather than expiring like spoiled food, supplements would lose their potency after reaching the best-be date.
So, if you’ve been taking supplements from supplementfirst.com, you don’t need to worry! That expiration date is based on potency, not safety. But of course, there are some situations where it’s best to dispose of your supplements once expired.
This article will share what you must know about your supplements’ expiration dates.
Why and When Vitamins Expire
Not all supplement would have the same expiration period. The rate at which supplements expire would depend on various factors, both related to manufacturing and the way you store your bottles.
- Form of Supplement: Liquid and gummy supplements would expire quicker compared to capsules, softgels, and tablets.
- Container type: Some supplements would retain their potency longer when kept in opaque containers compared to those with clear containers because of the sunlight’s UV rays.
- Container cap type: If flip-top caps don’t have the appropriate seal when closing it, the supplements would be more exposed to humidity, causing them to break down quicker.
- Storage conditions: When storing vitamins in high-humidity areas like bathroom medicine cabinets, they might deteriorate quicker. That’s why you should never expose them to too much light.
- Contamination: If you reach into your supplement bottle right after you just prepared your lunch, you might contaminate the bottle with any bacterial particles or food residue, which can impact the supplements’ shelf life.
- Specific vitamin: Some research suggests that certain vitamins would break down quicker than others, like vitamins C, K, and thiamin.
When to Throw Your Supplements Away
While you can still continue taking supplements past the best-by date, it’s also worth noting that you may have to throw them in certain instances.
Some people may require a certain amount of nutrients daily, and because the “expired” supplements have lost their potency, that means they don’t get the amount of nutrients they expect.
Moreover, there are cases where the supplements were poorly stored and have incurred mold, discoloration, or foul odors. If you notice these signs, it’s best to dispose of your supplements appropriately.
If you’re wondering how to do this, here are the steps to follow:
- Remove your supplements from the container.
- Place the supplements in a bag or container with cat litter, coffee grinds, among other undesirable substances. That way, animals and children are less likely to discover them in the trash.
- Close the bag or container and throw it away.
It is NOT recommended to flush your expired supplements, as the substances can pass through wastewater treatment plants, ending up in sources of drinking water.
Wrapping It Up
Make sure you’re aware of your supplements’ best-by date and if they show signs of mold or discoloration, throw them away!
Join the Pure NMN community and take proactive steps towards a healthier future. With our premium NMN supplements, you can support your longevity goals with confidence.
