That’s a question I often get regarding supplements.
The answer is, it depends. In some cases, the product is unsafe to consume if expired, and in others, it is simply less potent. What you need to know is that expiry dates no longer apply once you open the product. This is because oxygen exposure accelerates the disintegration time (potency) of the nutrients. Read on:
Vitamins: Unopened (and opened! ) liquids should be discarded at the expiry date; however, tableted and encapsulated vitamins typically don’t start losing their potency until 3 months past expiry.
Minerals: Tablets, powders and capsule minerals are still effective post-expiry, probably for an unlimited time. Science holds that minerals cannot be created nor destroyed. Liquids are best disposed of at expiration date because they can become mouldy.
Liquid oils: Once opened, fish oil has a shelf life of 6 weeks, so if you take longer than this to use it up it should be discarded after 6 weeks.
Protein powders: these are generally safe and useful to consume within 3 months following expiry. However, if you have a plant-based protein supplement that is naturally high in essential fatty acids—like hemp seed–keep a close eye (or nose) on it. If it starts to smell ‘fishy’, or like varnish, it is rancid—so throw it out.
Probiotics: Since microflora are living organisms, they tend to die off within a certain time period. However, they don’t become dangerous when dead–they simply won’t colonize and reproduce. Metagenics Ultra Flora products are guaranteed to contain 15 billion active bacteria at the time of expiry listed on the label IF they are well taken care of (kept refrigerated). So in that case, taking them post-expiry you will still benefit.
Herbals: Plant extracts will lose their potency over time, but have proven surprisingly effective long after expiry dates have passed. Alcohol-based tinctures (liquids) have the longest shelf life of all herbals.
Remember: Expiry dates no longer apply once you open the product. This is because oxygen exposure accelerates the disintegration time (potency) of the nutrients.
Now, go do an inventory of all of your nutritional supplements, checking expiry dates carefully. If they are sitting on the shelf collecting dust, you might need a reminder of why you purchased them. I can review your supplements and make sure they are still relevant to your needs. Simply book a consultation and bring all of your supplements with you.