The dilemma often arises as to whether expired vitamins can be taken, even if not much time has passed since the date indicated on the package. Many hesitate about taking vitamins, which are a pity to throw away, because they consider them safe for the body, because only useful substances are concentrated in the preparations. It is the word "concentration" that is worth paying attention to here.
About line-up
Fresh vitamins contain a large number of concentrated substances that actively interact with each other, positively affecting the human body. However, after the expiration date, side effects can be unpredictable, as vitamins begin to break down, changing the nature of the chemical reactions produced between them. So, is it possible to drink expired vitamins at least in the first two months after the expiration of the marked expiration date?
Doctors strongly advise against using medicines past the expiration date. There is an opinion that the first two months afterthe expiration date, vitamins are still suitable for taking, but you should think about what is more expensive for you - unpredictable reactions of vitamin molecules in your body or spending several hundred rubles on the purchase of a new complex.
What affects risks
The composition of the product directly affects the risk of side effects caused by the use of expired vitamins. The more active elements in the preparation, the shorter its shelf life. The answer to the question of whether you can drink expired vitamins is a firm "no".
Most often, manufacturers underestimate the shelf life of the drug in order to reduce the number of cases of vitamin poisoning, drunk by mistake or irresponsible attitude to taking drugs.
Storage conditions
Basically, the shelf life of drugs varies from 1 to 5 years. The most common - from 2 to 3 years. It is important to be careful with vitamins that have not reached their expiration date, but have been affected by some external factor that has affected their integrity or composition.
For example, vitamins left in an open package. There is a possibility of bacterial growth on tablets left in an open vial, as well as the formation of harmful chemical compounds if the drug is exposed to sunlight, high temperature or in contact with oxygen. In order to avoid negative effects on active vitamins, it is betteruse special pillboxes or any other cones designed to store vitamins and pills, made of a material that does not allow many environmental influences to pass through.
How to determine the suitability of vitamins
If the previous statements did not convince you, you should contact a specialist for advice on what is the likelihood of the formation of harmful compounds in a particular drug, with each day of delay which is more likely to have a toxic effect on the body.
First of all, it is better to make sure that the appearance of vitamins corresponds to a normal preparation. It is important to pay attention to the color, smell and consistency of the drug.
- Check the description of the drug in the instructions for use or on the box. For any form, it is important to match the color of the drug. Color change indicates chemical reactions taking place in the tablet.
- If you change the shape, density and consistency of capsules or tablets, you should stop using them. An example of a change in the consistency of vitamins can be considered the appearance of any precipitation, the formation of seals and crystals inside the capsules, and much more.
- The integrity and condition of the package is important. After the package is depressurized, the drug can become dangerous if left open. It is better to be careful with vitamins that you need to get out of the general package with your hands, especially with soluble tablets. To do this, it is recommended to use special containers to separate vitamins into the required dosages.
- Note no smell. Spoiled vitamins can absorb the smell of the environment in which they were. For this, doctors also advise using separate boxes for the use of medicines.
Expert Tips
- Can I drink expired prenatal vitamins? For women in position, it is better not to experiment at all with any drugs or vitamins, as this can damage the fetus. The consequences of side effects for the developing organism can be much more severe.
- Can I drink expired Complivit vitamins? Such use of vitamins is contraindicated. The shelf life of the drug is 2 years, during this time all active ingredients are safe and even beneficial for the body, but after this time, manufacturers do not guarantee that toxic compounds are formed instead of destroyed vitamins.
- Can I drink expired Elevit vitamins? Like any other, vitamins are not recommended for use after the marked expiration date.
So, when you know about all the nuances of expired vitamins, the answer to the question of whether you can drink expired vitamins becomes clear. After unpacking the drug, it is worth keeping its packaging and instructions for use in order to know exactly when the expiration date has passed, and what changes may indicate that the vitamins are spoiled.
