Do Supplements Expire? Are Expired Supplements Safe?
Quick Answer
Yes, supplements lose potency over time. Expired supplements are usually safe (not harmful) but less effective. Fat-soluble vitamins and fish oil degrade fastest. Probiotics lose viability. Most supplements are fine 6-12 months past expiration, just less potent.
Key Points
- Expired supplements are usually safe, just weaker
- Fish oil and probiotics are exceptions (avoid expired)
- Potency drops 10-20% per year after expiration
- Store properly: cool, dry, dark
- Minerals are most stable, oils least stable
Detailed Answer
HOW SUPPLEMENTS DEGRADE:
• Potency decreases over time (usually 10-20% per year after expiration) • Oxidation affects some supplements (fish oil turns rancid) • Moisture damages tablets and powders • Heat accelerates all degradation • Light damages some nutrients (B2, vitamin A)
DEGRADE FAST (Don't use expired):
• Fish oil: Oxidizes and becomes harmful, not just ineffective • Probiotics: Bacteria die. Expired means fewer live cultures. • Liquid supplements: More prone to contamination • Gummies: Degrade faster due to moisture content
DEGRADE SLOWLY (Usually fine past date):
• Most tablets and capsules: 1-2 years past date often fine • Minerals: Very stable (calcium, magnesium, zinc) • Vitamin D: Quite stable in proper storage • Creatine: Very stable powder
THE REAL RISK: It's not safety. It's effectiveness. Taking 80% potency vitamin D won't hurt you, but you're not getting what you think you're getting.
Evidence Quality
Some quality studies, more research helpful
Key Sources:
- reviewStability of Dietary Supplements: Review
- studyFish Oil Oxidation and Health Effects
Related Questions
Smell it. Fresh fish oil has a mild, ocean smell. Rancid oil smells strongly fishy or like paint. Cut open a capsule to check. If it smells bad, toss it.
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About this information: Our recommendations draw from peer-reviewed clinical trials, systematic reviews, and the same medical databases your doctor uses. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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