Vitamins and supplements are an important part of many health and diet routines. Vitamins and supplements can be expensive, so it's important to make sure to stock up on them right away, to prevent your investment from being wasted. In most cases, you will need to store your vitamins or supplements in a cool, dry place, or in the refrigerator. Always read the label and store it according to the instructions given. Be sure to store all vitamins or supplements out of reach of children and pets, even in childproof containers.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Storing Vitamins and Supplements in a Cool and Dry Place
Step 1. Avoid bathroom shelves
People often keep vitamin tablets and supplements on the bathroom shelf. However, research shows that humidity in the bathroom can reduce the effectiveness and efficacy of vitamin tablets over time. A decrease in the quality of vitamins in humid conditions is known as deliquescence.
- This can reduce the quality and shelf life of the product, and may mean you won't get all the nutrients for the price.
- Also, opening or closing the bottles of vitamins and supplements in a humid place will allow some moisture to enter the bottles each time.
- A number of vitamins can degrade that are particularly susceptible to moisture loss, such as the B vitamins, vitamin C, thiamine, and water-soluble vitamin B6.
Step 2. Do not store the tablet in the refrigerator
Vitamins and minerals can degrade in quality if stored in the refrigerator. There is high humidity in the refrigerator, so even though it's cool and dark inside, it's not dry. Store vitamins and supplements in the refrigerator only if they say so on the label.
Step 3. Do not store it near the oven or dishwasher
The kitchen can be a great place to store vitamins and supplements, but there can often be moisture and fat that evaporates from the air while cooking, which can then stick to your pills. The temperature and humidity in the kitchen will rise and fall when you use the oven and stove.
- The dishwasher is another place that will create a lot of humidity.
- Look for dry cabinets away from the stove and sink if you want to keep them in the kitchen.
Step 4. Consider keeping vitamins and supplements in the bedroom
The bedroom is probably the best place to store supplements, as there is little fluctuation in humidity, and the bedroom is usually cool and dry.
- Be sure to store it away from open windows and sunlight, which will reduce its efficacy.
- Do not store vitamins and supplements near radiators or other heat sources.
- Always store vitamins safely and closed and out of reach of children and pets, even if they have been stored in a container that is safe from children.
Step 5. Use an airtight container
To help protect against moisture, vitamins and supplements can be stored in airtight containers. Do not remove it from its original packaging, but place the entire package in an airtight container.
Opaque colored containers are fine, but you can also use amber or colored glass containers. These dark colored containers can also protect the supplement from light
Method 2 of 3: Storing Vitamins and Supplements in the Fridge
Step 1. Read the label first
In some cases, you may need to store vitamins or supplements in the refrigerator, but only if there are instructions on the label. While most vitamins and supplements need to be stored at room temperature, there are some vitamins and supplements that require refrigeration.
- These include liquid vitamins as well as a number of essential fatty acids and probiotics.
- Probiotics contain active cultures that can die if exposed to heat, light, or air, so it is important to refrigerate.
- However, not all essential fatty acids, liquid vitamins and probiotics need to be refrigerated, so it's a good idea to check the label first.
- It is more likely that you are instructed to store liquids in the refrigerator, rather than other storage areas.
- Some multivitamin tablets should also be stored in the refrigerator.
Step 2. Store vitamins in a closed container
Make sure you attach the cap very tightly to prevent moisture from entering. Leaving the container lid loose in the refrigerator will expose your supplement to excess moisture, which can actually degrade the quality of the vitamin or supplement.
- Keep containers out of reach of children or pets.
- Even if vitamins are stored in child-safe containers, you need to make sure vitamins and supplements are out of reach.
Step 3. Keep it separate from food in an airtight container
Place your supplements in an airtight container separate from food to prevent contamination. Foods that don't last long in the refrigerator can spoil easily, so it's a good idea to store vitamins and supplements in separate airtight containers.
- If spoiled food is near supplements, the fungus or bacteria present can spread to vitamins and supplements if not separated properly.
- Remember to store vitamins and supplements in their original containers.
- An airtight container will not completely remove moisture, as moisture can enter whenever you open the container.
Method 3 of 3: Safely Storing Vitamins and Supplements
Step 1. Always read the label first
To ensure that any vitamins and supplements are stored safely and correctly, always start by reading the label on the package. This will provide you with instructions on how and where to store the supplement.
- Some supplements are stored separately, which can be seen on the label.
- On the label may be written advice on the recommended dosage.
- The label will also contain information about the expiration date for the vitamin or supplement.
- Some vitamins and supplements will not last long after they are opened.
Step 2. Keep out of reach of children
If there are children in your home, you need to make sure that vitamins, supplements and other substances that can be toxic are stored safely. Vitamins should be stored out of reach of children, such as in cupboards or high shelves. You can also secure the cupboard where you store it with a child-safe lock.
- The container may have a child-safe lid, but you should still try to make sure the vitamins are kept out of their reach.
- All vitamins and supplements can be harmful if taken by children.
- Vitamins and supplements formulated for adults have inappropriate dosages for children.
Step 3. Don't take it after the "good before" date
If you store vitamins and supplements effectively, you can maintain their effectiveness for a long time. However, never take any supplements or vitamins that are past their listed "good before" date.
