How long do multivitamins last

Large doses may cause nausea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fatigue, kidney stones and diarrhoea. Excessive amounts of vitamin C in the body can also interfere with medical tests, such as diabetes tests, giving a false result. Some vitamin and omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies can lead to emotional disturbances.

However, if you are feeling run down, it is more likely to be due to stress, depression or unhealthy lifestyle habits such as insufficient sleep or smoking , rather than a vitamin deficiency.

Vitamin E is widely promoted as a beneficial antioxidant that can help prevent heart disease. Unfortunately, several large-scale reviews have conclusively found no evidence that vitamin E supplements prevent death from heart disease. In fact, there may be greater risk of all-cause death from taking such supplements. Vitamin A in large doses does not cure cancer and can be toxic, particularly if taken as pills rather than food.

There is some evidence that vitamin E could play a small role in preventing some cancers although, equally, there is evidence that it could speed up the onset of other types of cancer.

However, this has not been proved or disproved. While it is argued by some that megadoses of antioxidants can help with the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the evidence is far from supporting this.

In fact, it has been shown that megadoses of antioxidants can actually interfere with some medical treatments for cancer by helping to protect the cancer cells that the therapies aim to destroy. Vitamin E is often singled out as the potential fountain of youth. However, there is no evidence that taking large doses of any vitamin can either stall or reverse the effects of ageing.

Neither can any one vitamin restore a flagging sex drive or cure infertility. In developed countries like Australia, vitamin deficiency is rare, but the inadequate intake of some vitamins, as a result of an unhealthy diet, is not so rare and has been linked to a number of chronic diseases.

These include cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. There is ongoing research to study the effects of taking vitamin supplements to prevent chronic disease, and evidence around nutrition and diet is constantly changing.

It is important that you consult with your doctor before taking vitamin supplements in high doses. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The size of a standard drink can vary according to the type of alcohol. The Alexander technique stresses that movement should be economical and needs only the minimum amount of energy and effort. A common misconception is that anorexia nervosa only affects young women, but it affects males and females of all ages.

Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body's cells, and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation. Antipsychotic medications work by altering brain chemistry to help reduce psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

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Healthy eating. Home Healthy eating. Vitamin supplements can cause side effects, though this is unlikely to relate to their expiration. Anyone who experiences adverse effects of a nonessential supplement should stop taking it.

To ensure the maximum shelf life of vitamin supplements, it is best to store them in their original containers and in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. To reduce the risk of heat and moisture affecting the supplements, it may not be advisable to store them in the kitchen or bathroom.

However, it is crucial to read the storage instructions for each supplement — on the bottle, packaging, or leaflet — carefully. Instructions may be different for specific supplements. The same is true for probiotics: Some are best kept in the fridge, while others should not be refrigerated. Disposing of expired vitamins incorrectly increases the risk of children or animals consuming them, which could have serious consequences.

The FDA provide the following instructions for the disposal of unused medications. The same guidance can apply to expired vitamin or mineral supplements if there are no alternate instructions on their packaging:. This deters animals and children from touching or eating the unwanted supplements. Also, do not flush supplements down the toilet, as this can contaminate the water supply. Vitamins and other supplements lose potency over time, and the expiration date can indicate when these supplements have lost a significant amount of potency.

However, even then, they are not usually toxic. Even so, taking expired supplements may lead to deficiencies if people believe that they are ingesting more of the nutrient than they really are. It is a good idea to dispose of expired vitamins safely and purchase new products. Vitamins and nutrients are essential for good health.

Some people supplement vitamins, but is there an ideal time of day to take them? In this article,. Although a healthful diet and regular exercise can reduce fatigue, some vitamins and supplements can also boost energy. Learn which ones may have…. Many athletes look for safe and efficient ways to boost their performance. In this article, we look at six vitamins and supplements that may help. Expiration dates on vitamins and dietary supplements are extremely conservative to ensure consumers receive quality products.

For best results, avoid using vitamins that are past their expiration date. These vitamins may not be as potent. Dispose of it immediately, and buy a new pack. Expired vitamins should be disposed of properly. Never throw them in the trash, as this can put children and animals in the home at risk for possible exposure. The FDA recommends that you:. You may be inclined to store your vitamins in your bathroom or kitchen for ease of access, but these are actually two of the worst storage locations.

The bathroom and kitchen typically have more heat and humidity than other rooms. You should also avoid exposing them to light. Some vitamins — like vitamins A and D — will lose their potency after prolonged exposure. Refrigeration can also help extend the shelf life of products that are less stable at room temperature.

This includes:. Always check the label for specific storage directions. Some supplements require refrigeration or another type of special storage. Women have specific nutrient needs that change throughout their lifespan. This article covers vitamins for women and explains vitamin sources, dietary….

Certain vitamins and fatty acids may help prevent memory loss. Learn what recent clinical studies have to say about vitamins and memory loss.