This is what happens to your body if you consume expired vitamins

Vitamins are an important part of daily health care. Many people turn to vitamin supplements to strengthen your immune system, improve your metabolism, compensate for nutritional deficiencies, or simply as part of your wellness routine. However, a common question arises when those forgotten bottles in the medicine cabinet have passed their expiration date: is it safe to take expired vitamins?

What does it mean when a vitamin is expired?

The expiration date on a supplement's packaging doesn't indicate that the product will become toxic immediately upon expiration. Rather, it indicates the period up to which the manufacturer guarantees the product's potency and effectiveness, provided it has been stored under proper conditions (away from heat, humidity, and direct light).

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Although taking expired vitamins generally does not pose a serious health risk, certain effects or consequences may occur, mainly related to a decrease in their effectiveness.

1.- Loss of power

The main problem is that over time, the active ingredients in vitamins lose stability. This means that an expired vitamin may no longer be as capable of providing the expected benefits.

2.- Possible physical deterioration

Although it's rare, if the product has been exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures, it may show changes in color, texture, or an unpleasant odor, suggesting deterioration. In this case, it's best to discard it.

3.- Low risk of adverse effects

In most cases, there are no serious side effects from taking expired vitamins, especially if it's only recently passed the expiration date. However, if the supplement contains herbs or other less stable ingredients, it could cause stomach upset or unexpected reactions.

“Most supplements, including multivitamins, are not dangerous after their expiration date, but they do lose potency,” explains the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How long after expiration can they be used?

There's no exact rule, as each type of vitamin has different stability. For example:

• Solid tablets typically retain their potency for months after their expiration date.
• Liquids, gummies, or soft gel capsules tend to degrade faster.
• Vitamins such as C or the B complex, which are sensitive to heat and light, lose effectiveness more quickly than others such as D or calcium.

Even so, if it's been several months or more than a year since the expiration date, it's best not to consume them.

• Check the packaging: If you notice changes in color, texture, odor, or damaged packaging, discard it.
• Consult a professional: If you have specific questions about a supplement, it's best to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
• Store properly: Store supplements in cool, dry places away from sunlight to prolong their shelf life.
• Don't self-medicate: Although they may seem harmless, vitamins should be taken responsibly, as too much can also cause side effects.

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Consuming an expired vitamin isn't usually dangerous, but it can make it less effective. While it's not a cause for immediate alarm, it's best to replace expired supplements with fresh products to ensure you receive the full benefits your body needs.

BB