Often there is a dilemma whether it is possible to take expired vitamins, even if not so much time has passed since the date indicated on the package. Many hesitate regarding the intake of vitamins, which are a pity to throw away because they consider them safe for the body, because exclusively useful substances are concentrated in the preparations. It is the word "concentration" that is worth paying attention to.
About composition
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, since vitamins begin to break down, changing the nature of the chemical reactions between them. So, is it possible to drink expired vitamins at least in the first two months after the expiration of the marked shelf life?
Doctors strongly do not recommend taking medications after the expiration date. There is an opinion that the first two months after the expiration date the vitamins are still suitable for use, but you should think about what is more expensive for you - unpredictable reactions of vitamin molecules in your body or spent several hundred rubles to buy a new complex.
What affects the risks
The composition of the product directly affects the risk of side effects caused by the use of vitamins with an expired shelf life. The more active elements in the preparation, the shorter its shelf life. The answer to the question of whether it is possible to drink vitamins with an expired shelf life is a firm no.
Most often, manufacturers underestimate the shelf life of the drug in order to reduce the number of cases of poisoning with vitamins, 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, the expiration date of which did not go out, but which were affected by some external factors that affected their integrity or composition.
For example, vitamins left in open packaging. There is a possibility of the development of bacteria on tablets left in an open bottle, as well as the formation of harmful chemical compounds in the event of exposure to the drug in sunlight, high temperature or in contact with oxygen. In order to avoid negative effects on existing vitamins, it is better to use special pill boxes or any other cones designed to store vitamins and tablets, made of a material that does not pass many environmental influences.
How to determine the suitability of vitamins
If the previous statements did not convince you, you should consult a specialist for advice on what is the probability of the formation of harmful compounds in a particular drug, with each day of delay which is more likely to poison the body.
First of all, it is better to make sure on your own that the appearance of vitamins corresponds to a normal drug. It is important to pay attention to the color, smell and texture of the drug.
- Compare the description of the drug in the instructions for use or on the box. For any form, color matching is important. A color change indicates a chemical reaction in the tablet.
- When changing the shape, density and consistency of capsules or tablets, you should abandon their use. 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 depressurization of the package, the drug can become dangerous if left open. It is better to be careful with vitamins that you need to get your hands out of the general package, especially with soluble tablets. For this, it is recommended that special containers be used to separate vitamins into the necessary dosages.
- Pay attention not to smell. Spoiled vitamins can absorb the smell of the environment in which they were located. For this, doctors also advise using separate boxes for the use of medicines.
Expert Advice
- Can I drink expired vitamins for pregnant women? For women in a position, it is better not to experiment with any drugs or vitamins at all, since it can harm the fetus. The effects of side effects on a 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, however, after this time, manufacturers do not guarantee that poisonous compounds are formed instead of destroyed vitamins.
- Is it possible to drink expired Elevit vitamins? Like any other, vitamins are not recommended for use after the expiration of the marked expiration date.
So, when it is known about all the nuances of vitamins with an expired shelf life, it becomes clear the answer to the question of whether it is possible to drink expired vitamins. After printing the drug, it is worth preserving its packaging and instructions for use in order to know exactly when the expiration date has expired, and what changes may indicate that vitamins are spoiled.