5 tips on how to store food supplements and how to handle them

According to a consumer survey on dietary supplements conducted in 2015 by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, certain dietary supplements currently accepted by about 68% of Americans. We spend a lot of time and money to choose the best supplements for us and our family. And we least want them to spoil as a result of improper storage, while half of the package will not be used yet.

Therefore, it is very important to know how to properly store and handle our supplements. Let's get acquainted with the tips that will help us protect our investments and health.

1. Read the label

Although supplement manufacturers are not required to include storage or expiration date information on the label, most do. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the label before you open the container or even buy it.

You will find that many liquid probiotics are recommended to be refrigerated (though not all) to keep the bacteria viable. If you buy such probiotics online, make sure they are delivered overnight and refrigerated (eg packed with ice).

Also, pay attention to the expiration date (best if used by) indicated on the package. Expired supplements should be disposed of properly. 

2. Pay attention to the temperature

Sunlight, heat, moisture, and humidity can shorten the shelf life of some supplements. Many supplements with dry ingredients are recommended to be stored in a cool, dark and/or dry place. Supplements stored without these requirements are prone to "flooding," a process in which water-soluble vitamins, such as B vitamins and C vitamins, dissolve under the influence of humidity and condensation. Interestingly, the two rooms in the house most often used for supplement storage may not be the best for it.

Many of us keep supplements and medications in the kitchen cupboard. However, the kitchen is one of the warmest rooms in the house, as the temperature there is higher due to the cooking process. Also, it is not a good idea to store anything near the kitchen sink as it is a source of moisture and humidity.

While it may seem intuitive that the ideal place to store supplements is in the refrigerator, when the package is opened, even a small amount of condensation can seep in and create moisture and dampness. In this case, supplements can go bad even before the expiration date expires.

The second most popular place to store supplements is the bathroom. The bathroom sink is also an area of ​​high humidity. Heat and steam from the shower and/or bathroom also increase indoor humidity.

And finally, don't leave supplements in your bag or car.

3. Always close the lid tightly

Even if you rush to work or take your children to school in the morning, always make sure that the containers containing food supplements are tightly closed. Even a small gap can create an air pocket and allow the contents to come into contact with the surrounding air. Be sure to make sure that the lid is closed tightly.

4. Keep supplements away from children

Accidents are the most common cause of death for children. And according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 300 children go to the emergency room every day in the US due to accidental poisoning, and two children die from them a day. At the same time, one of the causes of accidental poisoning is improper storage of medicines and food additives.

Although it mostly affects children six years of age and younger, children of any age can be affected. Keep your medications and supplements out of the reach of children, preferably on the top shelves of your home.

Also, if you have children at home (even if they are just visiting), post poison control center contact information prominently. Also, add them to your phone's notepad for quick access when needed.

5. Dispose of unused supplements safely

It is necessary to check the contents of the first-aid kit at least once every six months in order to detect nutritional supplements and medicines with an expiration date that has passed. But how to properly dispose of them?

Can they just be flushed down the toilet? It is believed that small amounts of washed-off substances reach rivers, streams and lakes, i.e. enter drinking water sources. Although research so far does not indicate any harm, it is better to dispose of the medicine in another way, unless it is clearly stated on the packaging that it can be flushed down the drain.

Can they be thrown in the trash can? Living creatures - pets, children or adults - can touch the contents of a household trash can. Therefore, according to the recommendations of the Department for Sanitary Supervision of the Quality of Food Products and Medicines, it is best to:

1. Mixing them with something unpleasant, such as coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter.

2. Place the mixture in a tightly closed container - for example, a resealable storage bag or an empty, leak-proof jar.

3. Then you can put the container in the trash can.

4. Give the plastic container for recycling.   

Another way to dispose of food additives is to contact your local waste disposal service. Most services can collect and dispose of your supplements and their packaging.