Shelflife of vitamins?

[kddani]

Very random question, and as always, GC is the best place to find people with answers to my random questions!

I have some of the Ultra-Mega vitamins from GNC, the expensive ones. I stopped taking them for awhile for whatever reason. I bought two bottles of them about 2 years ago.

Are they still okay to take?

[CatStarESP4]

You should check the expiration date. Also, are the capsules or tablets? If they are capsules, then don't take them, they spoil easily. I am not sure about the tablets though. I think your best best is to ask someone at GNC about the freshness and potency of the vitamins as they age if in doubt. Good luck with your quest!

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Do they have expiration dates?

If the vitamins are kept in a cool and dry place, they should be fine. They won't hurt you, but they might not be as potent.

[Kevin]

I'm sure it all depends on what it is and its individual properties.

Please don't take what I say as experienced or valid medical advice.

However, a friend of mine's dad is a doctor. He's given me long-expired samples. Most things are safe and many don't lose their potency at all. The FDA just requires a certain expiration date be placed on the products. Sometimes the date is completely arbitrary.

But again, I'm sure it depends on what it is we're talking about.

[LeslieAGD]

Originally posted by kddani
I bought two bottles of them about 2 years ago.

If they're two years old and have no expiration date, I would consult someone at GNC before taking them...or, check if the bottle has a hotline number and call the company directly.