How to Store Your Supplements Properly

Supplements are a key part of your daily routine, but where do they go when you’re finished taking your daily dose? Despite being stable, they still require proper storage conditions. Otherwise, their quality, texture, and effectiveness can become compromised over time. This article breaks down the storage habits that help keep your trusty supplements in the best possible condition and maintain their shelf life.

Keep them in a cool, dry place

Like most shelf-stable products, vitamins and supplements are not fans of heat and moisture, as they can break down ingredients over time and shorten shelf life. To avoid moisture, try to keep them away from humidity-prone areas. For example, many people like to store their supplements in the bathroom, but the humidity from showers means it's often far from ideal. Heat emitters like kettles and radiators are also worth avoiding when considering suitable storage areas. A cupboard or pantry with a closeable door and no proximity to heat and moisture is typically best. 

Avoid direct sunlight

In addition to moisture and heat, light exposure is also something to consider when deciding where to store your vitamins and supplements. This is because light can degrade certain vitamins and nutrients like vitamin B12. This means it may decrease the effectiveness of your supplements. Keeping tablets and capsules in their original packaging is advisable, as most supplements are sold in dark bottles to help avoid light degradation. Even so, storing the container away from light is still necessary. Ensure your storage spot is away from windowsills and other bright, warm areas that are frequently exposed to direct sunlight. 

Keep lids tightly closed

Heat, moisture, and light have a fourth friend that can cause problems for supplement storage; air. Exposure to air can significantly impact freshness and stability. Most supplements are sold in air-tight containers to help avoid this. It’s crucial to ensure that they’re properly sealed after each use. This not only helps prevent air from causing issues, but also protects against moisture entering the container and impacting the tablets or capsules inside. 

Keep out of reach of children and pets

When selecting the ideal storage area for your vitamins and supplements, their shelf life isn’t the only consideration. It’s also important to pick a spot that won’t pose any risk to those in your home with curious hands or paws. This applies to products made for both adults and children, as some products, such as Kids Multivitamin Gummies, can be mistaken for a tasty treat. Keeping your supplements safely stored in a secure area out of reach of both children and pets helps ensure their safety. 

Check expiry dates 

Once you’ve found the ideal spot for your supplements, don’t forget to pay attention to what’s on the label. Make sure to always follow instructions where provided, including for storage, as some supplements may have specific guidelines based on their ingredients. Additionally, it’s important to take note of expiry dates and cease using them once that date arrives. At that point, it’s time to discard the product (even if there are some tablets or capsules left) and replace it with a fresh one.

Key takeaways

Here are the key points to remember about proper supplement storage:

• Cool, dry, dark, and sealed is the best rule of thumb
• Heat, moisture, light, and air are your supplements’ worst enemies
• Store your supplements in their original packaging where possible
• Don’t make the common mistake of bathroom storage
• Keep your supplements in a secure place that’s out of reach of children and pets
• Small storage habits help maintain product quality over time
• Discard of expired products and replace them with new ones
• Follow all instructions listed on the label