Expiration dates on supplements are about potency, not safety (usually). A vitamin doesn't suddenly become poison after the date. But it may not contain what the label claims anymore.
What Expiration Really Means
Manufacturers guarantee potency until the expiration date. After that, the active ingredients may have degraded.
You won't typically get sick from expired supplements (exceptions below), but you may not get the benefit.
FDA requires: Products must contain what the label says through the expiration date. After that, no guarantees.
Supplements That Degrade Faster
Probiotics - Live bacteria die over time - Refrigeration helps - Potency drops significantly after expiration - Spore-based are more stable
Fish oil / Omega-3s - Oxidize and go rancid - Smell them. Rancid fish oil smells bad. - Oxidized oils may be harmful - Store in cool, dark place
Liquid vitamins - Less stable than pills - Degrade faster after opening - B vitamins especially sensitive to light
Protein powder - Can grow bacteria if moisture enters - Check for clumping or off smells
More Stable Supplements
Minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron) - Very stable - May lose potency slowly but remain usable
Most vitamins in tablet form - Reasonably stable - Vitamin C and B12 slightly less so
Creatine monohydrate - Extremely stable - Essentially doesn't expire if kept dry
Storage Tips
Keep in cool, dark, dry place - Heat and light accelerate degradation
Don't store in bathroom - Humidity from showers damages them
Keep containers closed - Moisture is the enemy
Refrigerate: Probiotics, omega-3s (optional but helpful)
Don't buy huge quantities - Buy what you'll use in 6-12 months
When to Definitely Toss
- Obvious mold or discoloration - Off smell (especially fish oil) - Changed texture (clumping, softening) - More than 2 years past expiration - Any supplement that looks "wrong"
When probably fine: - Pills slightly past date - Sealed, properly stored vitamins - Minerals past date