Nutritional supplements and expiration dates

   Many times arise there is a fear whether it is safe to consume dietary supplements after their expiration date. But, what is exactly expiration date on nutritional supplements and how it can protect consumers and ensure their health?

Expiration dates

  An expiration date on a dietary supplement, in contrast with food expiration dates, indicates the last day/month that the manufacturer can guarantee the maximum potency of its nutrients. Expiry dates on food supplements are extremely conservative. The activity and potency of nutrients gradually begins to degrade from the first day of production. Consumption of supplements after the expiration date, does not pose any health problem for the consumers. If a product has reached its end date, it does not mean that it’s no longer good and safe.

  According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manufacturers are not obliged to have expiry dates on food supplements. However, quality manufacturers voluntarily list expiration dates because it is to their benefit. If manufacturers do not have expiration dates on their products, then it is on their responsibility to ensure the maximum action of their supplements, as long as they are on market. For this reason, it is common, if not necessary, dietary supplements to have expiration dates.

Rules for proper storage of food supplements

   For an expiry date to be valid, consumers should comply with the rules of proper use and storage of food supplements. The majority of supplements, should be storaged in a dry and cool place. This is the best environment for storing any type of medication or supplement. Once opened, they become extremely vulnerable. A general safe rule for all dietary supplements and medicines is that they should not be used for more than 12 months after the opening of the pack, regardless of the expiration date, as they have been exposed to external factors such as high temperature and humidity.