I have a bottle of Calcium + D supplements, never-opened, that expired this month. Are they any good?

Question

I know that in general, in a case like this, a bottle past its date means that it is not as effective or has lost its potency. Does this go for the calcium as well? Is it just a precaution, or is it really not worth taking now?

Someone said to me that the calcium should still be good in it, but the not Vitamin D. What do you think?

Serious answers appreciated.

Answer 1

It's possible that the potency may be affected; however, since it's unopened, go ahead and use it. It's not as if it goes at the expiration date; just use it up as soon as possible, to maximize its effectiveness. Vit D is activated by exposure to the sun, so be sure you get some sun on your skin (a short time at least, without sunblock -- some exposure is good!).

Answer 2

They are just fine, yes calcium will not degrade. The vitamin D may have lost some potency so big deal it is only one bottle. Better to take calcium then not to. Relax, take your calcium and go rent a movie and forget about it.

Answer 3

About the Vitamin D, I dunno. But I do know that expiration dates are usually pretty conservative, which means that if the bottle was kept in a cool dark place and never opened it's probably fine though it may have lost some potency. Every chemical is different, but OTC medicines are usually relatively stable and don't just break down unless they're exposed to heat, light, or moisture.

Answer 4

Taking it would not hurt you and it may help you. Take it. There was a study by the US military some years ago that showed most medications retain potency long after the expiration date.

Answer 5

the terrific wager on any medicinal variety drugs or food is to discard after the expiration date, sure often times they'll nonetheless be powerful after that date yet not beneficial as there's a reason that those dates are listed in that express herbs have a constrained shelf existence and with out perservatives it has a tendency to be sometime shorter than classic drugs. terrific propose purchase a clean bottle for optimal income and flush the previous down the lavatory

Answer 6

There should be no problem with them. :) Given there are even expiration dates on certain bottles of WATER, exp. dates aren't always that important. It won't make you sick; the worst is that it will have lost some potency.

Answer 7

This isn't helpful:

Why only start taking supplements after they're past the expiration?

Sounds like you have attainability issues. Do you find you're bored with relationships once the other person falls in love with you? Do you find yourself falling for people who play the whole "hard-to-get" game? Do you choke down sour milk just to prove that it's not too sour for you and that you truly love the sweetness hidden beneath the rank smell and taste, but vomit before you can digest it because once it's in your system you find it's too clingy, and tire of its company?

I'd seek therapy immediately, this has huge destructive potential for your life.

Answer 8

THey always work if its not too long after the expiry date. Especially when its unopened

Answer 9

Most generally vitamins do not go bad unopened....

Answer 10

if it was stored properly it should be alright. it says "best before..." and not "useless after".
but if you did not take it before its expiration date, why now?