Do multivitamins expire
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Do Multivitamins Expire?
Shelf Life and Potency of Multivitamins
Multivitamins, like many other consumable products, do indeed have an expiration date. The potency of various vitamins in multivitamin preparations can significantly decline over time, particularly when stored under suboptimal conditions. Research has shown that vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, thiamine, and pantothenic acid are particularly susceptible to degradation over time and under certain storage conditions1. This degradation can lead to a significant loss of potency within eight to twelve months after manufacture, indicating that the effectiveness of these vitamins diminishes as they age1.
Stability of Specific Vitamins
Not all vitamins degrade at the same rate. For instance, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyridoxine, and ascorbic acid are less affected by shelf life and storage conditions compared to other vitamins1. This variability in stability underscores the importance of considering the specific composition of a multivitamin product when assessing its shelf life.
Predicting Expiration Dates
The process of predicting the expiration dates of multivitamin products can be complex. The Arrhenius equation, a common method used to predict the stability of chemical compounds, has been applied to multivitamin tablets to estimate their shelf life. However, this method has shown significant variability and can lead to erroneous predictions if not applied correctly2. The modified Arrhenius method has been suggested to reduce this variability, but even this approach has limitations and should be used with caution2.
Importance of Expiration Dates
Given the potential for significant potency loss, it is crucial for manufacturers to establish expiration dates based on actual stability data. This practice ensures that consumers receive the full labeled potency of the vitamins they purchase. It also highlights the need for better cooperation between manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacists to maintain the quality and efficacy of multivitamin products throughout their shelf life1.
Conclusion
In summary, multivitamins do expire, and their potency can significantly decline over time, particularly for certain vitamins. Accurate prediction of expiration dates is essential to ensure that consumers receive effective products. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to expiration dates and storage conditions to maintain the efficacy of multivitamins.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The effect of shelf life on the potency of complex multivitamin preparations.
Shelf life and storage conditions significantly affect the potency of certain vitamins in complex multivitamin products, highlighting the need for closer cooperation between manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacists.
Reliability of Arrhenius Equation in predicting vitamin A stability in multivitamin tablets.
The Arrhenius equation can produce erroneous predictions for vitamin A stability in multivitamin tablets, and should be used with caution when establishing expiration dates.
The age of multivitamin products on the retail market.
Multivitamin products on the retail market in Canada are often over one year old, highlighting the need for better merchandizing control and expiration dates.
Observational StudyTHE STABILITY OF LIQUID MULTIVITAMIN PREPARATIONS DURING USE
Liquid multivitamin preparations need more rigorous stability tests to maintain potency during normal use, and expiration dates should consider loss during normal use.
Long-Term Multivitamin Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Men
Long-term use of a daily multivitamin did not provide cognitive benefits for male physicians aged 65 years or older.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Highly CitedThe effect of a 12-week multivitamin supplement on everyday functioning in older adults: a double blind, placebo controlled, parallel groups trial
A 12-week multivitamin supplementation significantly improved mood, reduced perceived stress, and reduced emotional loneliness in older adults compared to placebo.
RCTMultivitamins Do Not Reduce Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality and Should Not Be Taken for This Purpose: How Do We Know That?
Multivitamin supplementation does not reduce cardiovascular disease mortality or incidence, and should not be taken for this purpose.
Meta-AnalysisMultivitamin-multimineral supplementation and mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Multivitamin-multimineral treatment has no effect on mortality risk in independently living adults.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMultivitamin use and adverse birth outcomes in high‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Routine multivitamin use in high-income countries can be recommended but with caution due to low quality evidence.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalThe randomized Linxian Dysplasia Nutrition Intervention Trial after 26 years of follow-up: no effect of multivitamin supplementation on mortality.
Multivitamin supplementation showed no significant benefit on mortality in an under-nourished population after 26 years of follow-up.
RCT