Some people keep them in kitchen cabinets; others line them up on their bathroom countertops. If either of these locations are where you’ve been storing your vitamins, it’s time for a little lesson in supplement storage. In order for nutrients to stay fresh and effective, they need to be kept in certain conditions.
So where and how should you store your supplements?
Cool and dry. Because of the heat and humidity involved in cooking and showering, the kitchen and bathroom are not ideal. The best place to store bottles is a place that remains at a stable temperature and humidity level — such as a cabinet in a well-ventilated room, or on a shelf in a closet. When the bottles are not in use, keep the lids tightly closed to protect the integrity of the nutrients.
Chilled nutrition. Pay attention to label instructions – certain liquid supplements (multi-vitamins, probiotics, minerals) and juices must be refrifgerated. These products typically have a shorter shelf-life than their non-liquid counterparts, so be sure to use them up before the best-by dates (if included on the packaging).
A safe place. Many products come in enticing flavors and colors that can be tempting for kids. Keep all supplements and medications out of the reach of children or pets – be especially careful with iron-containing products, as they can be very dangerous to small children.