Perhaps in your home you’ll likely have some sort of cabinet or shelf that is dedicated to the storage of vitamins. Since, six out of ten adult citizens living in the United States are believed to use dietary supplements according to a report for 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These bottles need to be taken to a place.
In the place you store your vitamins, they’ll diminish over time and become less effective as the months and years go by. The storage space you choose could speed or slow down the process. Oxygen, temperature, humidity as well as light play an important role.
Although you cannot manage everything, being aware of specific storage components can help in making your vitamins last longer. Be aware of these guidelines the next time you purchase an bottle.
Follow the Vitamin storage instructions
It’s hard to create an all-inclusive storage solution for vitamins due to the vast range of options available. Different vitamins packaged in various ways break down at different rates in different environments. Furthermore, some multivitamins have over a dozen distinct vitamins, which could have a distinct shelf-life.
The ideal place to start studying the storage requirements for any product is on its label. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and adhere as closely to them as you can. Make sure you don’t take vitamins out of the original containers, and you’ll always be able to refer to the directions. If you are unsure you should ask an healthcare professional or pharmacist who might be able to give more information.
Search for a location that’s cool, dark and dry
A lot of us store vitamins in our kitchens or bathrooms. But due to the steamy showers and boiling water pots the bathrooms are one of the most humid areas at home. And moisture can accelerate the deterioration process.
If you are able, transfer the vitamins you take to a dry, cool place, like the bedroom shelf or linen closet. Avoid storing them near the light sources, such as lamps and windows, because lighting can impact the quality of your food. That means that storing your vitamins in your car is not a good idea to do so, too.
If you have to place them in your kitchen, pick a high closed cabinet, that is far from the oven, stovetop as well as sink. In the bathroom, consider using a drawer that is closed. A vitamin bottle in a larger storage container, with lids, of course –may assist in preserving them in addition.
Take the cotton ball out
Cotton balls are typically utilized within vitamin bottles, to keep pills from moving around and causing damage during shipping. They can also absorb moisture and then bring it inside the bottle. When your vitamins are secure at home, you can go ahead and toss the fluff into the trash.
Find an expiration time
While it’s not a requirement of Federal law, most vitamins have a date of expiration. At that point they can lose their effectiveness and cause unwanted adverse consequences. Experts advise throwing out the vitamins that are expired. The visible signs of damage, discoloration, or rotten vitamins must be removed immediately, regardless of regardless of whether they’ve expired. Discard any vitamins that alter the color, texture or smell.
To get rid of vitamins that have expired be sure to not dump them in your sink, or wash them into the toilet as they may end up contaminating water supply. Instead, place them into an airtight container or plastic bag, and mix them with coffee grounds, cat litter or a similar substance. After that, put the container into the garbage bag, cover the bag, and set it in the trash for collection.
It is also possible to take old vitamins to an official drug take-back facility and dispose them at an annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. A lot of local pharmacies have secure drop-off containers, as well. Make sure you remove any identifying personal information such as your address and name.
Be sure to protect pets and children
Whatever way you decide to save your vitamins, be sure to keep them out of sight and the reach of pets and children. Nearly 4,600 kids attend emergency rooms each year because of vitamins, according the National Institutes of Health. A majority of kids consume vitamins when they’re not monitored. Do not leave vitamin bottles on a table, counter or nightstand, and ensure that bottles are sealed securely before taking them off.
In the final instance, prior to taking any vitamins, be sure to consult with a health doctor. They will be able to offer suggestions and help you avoid ineffective products, and assist in avoiding reactions or side effects from other medications that you could be given.