How to Store Vitamins and Supplements Properly

Most people think carefully about which vitamins to buy, but much less about where to keep them. The kitchen windowsill, a steamy bathroom cabinet or a hot car in August are all common hiding places, and none of them is ideal. Heat, light, humidity and air can all affect supplements over time, which is why storage instructions appear on almost every label.

Here are simple ways to store vitamins and supplements so they stay in good condition until you use them up.

Why Storage Matters

Vitamins and supplements are made to stay stable until their best before date, provided they are stored as the label says. Some nutrients and ingredients are more sensitive than others. Moisture can make tablets crumble and capsules stick together, while warmth can soften gummies and softgels. Oils, such as fish oil, can be affected by heat and light. Following the storage advice helps make sure the product stays as intended.

The Best Places to Keep Supplements

Most labels ask you to store the product in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. In practice, that usually means:

• A kitchen cupboard away from the oven, hob, kettle and dishwasher.
• A bedroom drawer or shelf that stays at a steady temperature.
• Inside the original container, with the lid closed tightly after each use.

Places to avoid include the bathroom, where showers create steam and humidity, the windowsill, which gets direct sun, and the car, which can become very hot in summer.

Check the Label for Special Instructions

Some products need different handling. Certain probiotics and liquid supplements should be kept in the fridge, either from the start or once opened. Others say that they should not be refrigerated. Many bottles contain a small sachet that absorbs moisture. Leave it in the container, and keep it away from children, since it is not edible.

It is also worth keeping the original packaging rather than moving everything into a pill organiser for weeks at a time. The container is designed to protect the contents, and the label holds the directions, warnings and best before date.

Travelling With Supplements in Summer

If you take supplements on holiday, pack only what you need in a small, airtight container and keep it in your hand luggage or a cool part of your suitcase, rather than in a hot car boot. Take a photo of the label so you have the directions and ingredients with you. If you are flying, check the airline and destination rules, particularly for liquids.

Safety First

• Keep all supplements out of the sight and reach of children. Gummies in particular can look like sweets.
• Do not use products after the best before date, or if they smell, look or feel different from usual.
• Store supplements separately from medicines, so they are not confused.
• If you take several products, our guide to combining vitamins and supplements safely is a helpful read, and your pharmacist can check them against any medication you use.

Good storage is a small habit that protects what you have bought. When it is time to restock, you can browse everyday multivitamins, such as Active Man Multivitamin tablets, and many other products in our supplements range.