How to Preserve Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements are an important part of many therapies and diets that help maintain health. Vitamins and supplements are often quite expensive, so you should know how to store them so they don’t go to waste. Most vitamins and supplements should be stored in a cool dry place or in the refrigerator. Always read the product label carefully and store it according to the instructions on the package. In addition, keep vitamins and dietary supplements out of reach of children and pets even if these products are in sealed containers.

Table of Contents

Store vitamins and dietary supplements in a cool, dry place

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Do not store in bathroom cabinets. Many people often keep vitamins and supplements in the bathroom cabinet. However, according to research, humidity in the bathroom can gradually reduce the effectiveness and potency of vitamins. The deterioration of vitamin quality in wet conditions is known as Melting phenomenon.

Keeping vitamins and supplements in the bathroom cabinet will reduce the quality and shelf life of the product, so you won’t get the full nutritional value for the cost.
In addition, each time you open and close a vial of vitamins and supplements in wet conditions, there is an opportunity for moisture to enter.
Some vitamins are especially susceptible to breakdown in wet conditions, such as water-soluble vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamin C, thiamin and vitamin B6. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Do not store vitamins and dietary supplements in the refrigerator. Vitamins and minerals may lose quality if stored in the refrigerator. Although the environment in the refrigerator is usually cool and dark, the humidity is very high, so it is not suitable for dry storage. Store vitamins and supplements in the refrigerator only if the product label instructs to do so. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Do not keep vitamins and supplements near the stove or sink. The kitchen can be an ideal place to store vitamins and supplements, but moisture and fat during cooking will be released into the air and affect the vitamin tablets. In addition, the temperature and humidity in the kitchen often rise and fall with each use of the stove and oven.

The kitchen sink is an area that produces a lot of moisture.
If desired, store vitamins and supplements only in a dry cabinet away from the stove and sink. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Consider storing vitamins and supplements in the bedroom. The bedroom is the best place to store supplements because of its stable humidity, cool and dry conditions. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Do not put vitamins and supplements near open windows or sunlight to avoid affecting product quality.
Do not leave the product near a radiator or any other heat source. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
Store vitamins and dietary supplements in a discreet and safe place. Keep out of reach of children and pets even if the product is in an airtight container.

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Use an airtight container. To prevent moisture, you should store vitamins and supplements in containers with tight-fitting lids. Do not open the original packaging of the product. Instead, you should store the product in its original packaging in an airtight container.

The opaque container has very good light blocking properties. Alternatively, you can use an amber or painted container. Dark containers help protect supplements from sunlight. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Store vitamins and functional foods in the refrigerator

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Read the product label first. Some vitamins and dietary supplements need to be stored in the refrigerator according to the requirements stated on the product packaging. Most vitamins and supplements should be stored at room temperature. However, there are some varieties that require refrigeration. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Liquid vitamins, certain essential fatty acids and probiotics are products that need to be refrigerated.
Probiotics contain active beneficial bacteria that can die if exposed to heat, light or air. Therefore, preserving probiotics in the refrigerator is extremely necessary.
However, not all essential fatty acids, liquid vitamins, and probiotics must be stored in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is best to check the product label first.
Liquid vitamins and supplements are more often instructed to keep in the refrigerator than other forms.
The refrigerator is also the best storage environment for some multivitamins. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Store vitamins in an airtight container. Make sure to close the lid tightly so that moist air cannot enter. Storing vitamins and supplements in the refrigerator without the lid tightly closed creates an opportunity for moist air to enter and severely reduces product quality. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Keep container out of reach of small children or pets.
Even if vitamins and supplements have been stored in sealed containers, you must ensure that children or pets do not come into contact with the product.

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Separate vitamins and dietary supplements from regular foods by means of an airtight container. Store supplements in an airtight container and separate from regular food to prevent potential contamination. Perishable foods tend to go rancid in the refrigerator, so you should store vitamins and supplements in separate and airtight containers.

If supplements are not stored separately and near spoiled food, fungus or bacteria can spread.
Note to keep the original packaging of vitamins and functional foods.
An airtight container cannot completely prevent moisture because each time the lid is opened, there is an opportunity for moist air to enter. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Store vitamins and functional foods safely

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Always read product labels first. To ensure safe and proper storage of vitamins and supplements, you should always read product labels first. The instructions on the product label will show you how and where to store the supplement.

Some dietary supplements need to be stored differently and are listed only on the product packaging.
Vitamin and supplement product labels also advise you on recommended dosages.
Labels of vitamin and dietary supplements also provide information about the product’s shelf life.
Some vitamins and supplements will not keep for long once opened. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Steps

Store vitamins and dietary supplements in a cool, dry place

Store vitamins and functional foods in the refrigerator

Store vitamins and functional foods safely

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