If you come across a vitamin pack that has surpassed its expiration date, it is best to discard it. While expired vitamins are not necessarily dangerous, they may not be as effective as they once were. Generally speaking, taking an expired vitamin supplement is relatively safe and unlikely to cause any harm, as most expired medications and supplements do not usually become toxic. Expired vitamins are safe to consume. On the expiration date, the product must still contain 100% of the dietary supplement ingredients listed on the label, provided that it is stored in the right conditions.
However, certain groups of people may be at greater risk than others if they take expired vitamins. Despite the debate surrounding the effectiveness of vitamins and supplements, Americans continue to take them. Storage plays an important role in the potency of vitamins, as humidity, temperature, light and exposure to oxygen all influence the duration of effectiveness and potency of supplements. If a flip-up lid does not create a proper seal when closed, vitamins are exposed to more moisture, causing them to break down more quickly. The chemical composition of the ingredients used, the oxidizing and reducing agents, the pH level and the packaging compounds all affect their expiration date.
Even the potency of vitamin C consumed as a food source is subject to external factors such as cooking temperature, exposure to oxygen, handling the particular food and age. If you store vitamins in an area with high humidity, such as a bathroom kit, they may deteriorate more quickly. If you want to consume the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of a particular supplement and you take one that is past its expiration date, you really have no idea how much of the nutrient you're actually consuming. It is best to store vitamins in a cool, dry place that is not exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity. Vitamins and other supplements lose potency over time, and the expiration date can indicate when these supplements have lost a significant amount of potency. Research shows that expired vitamins are generally safe to take and are unlikely to cause side effects just because they are expired.
To be on the safe side, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider before taking expired vitamins if you need supplements regularly. There is no doubt that the body depends on vitamins and minerals in the diet to function at its best, but researchers continue to insist on the effectiveness of taking a pill to improve health. For example, a person following a vegan diet may need to take a vitamin B-12 supplement on a regular basis to stay healthy.
