You find a half-used bottle of vitamins in the back of the cabinet. Are they still good? Vitamins can lose potency over time, and the date on the label, if there is one, tells you less than you might think.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against FDA regulations, NIH guidance and peer-reviewed research
Do vitamins expire?
Vitamins can lose potency over time, especially in heat, humidity and light[1]. But unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements aren't required by FDA to carry an expiration date. The FDA's manufacturing rule for supplements doesn't mandate one[2]. When a brand does print a date, such as "best by" or "use by," it's the manufacturer's own shelf-life date. Replace products past that date, and dispose of them properly[3].
Caveat: There's no general rule for how quickly a specific vitamin loses potency after its date. It depends on the formula, packaging and how it was stored.
Sources: Yan 2021 · FDA cGMP rule · NIA · Verified 2026-09-28
In this article
Are supplements required to have expiration dates?
No. The FDA's current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) rule for dietary supplements, published in 2007, doesn't require expiration dating[2]. It does treat the two situations differently for record-keeping. Companies that use shelf-life dating, such as "expiration" or "best if used by" dates, keep batch records for one year beyond that date. Companies that don't use dating keep them for two years after the last batch is distributed[2].
Keep in mind that the FDA doesn't approve supplements before they reach the market[4]. The date on a bottle is set by the company, not by FDA.
What happens to vitamins after they "expire"?
The best-documented change is a slow loss of potency. Some vitamins are more fragile than others. Research on vitamin gummies notes that water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C are susceptible to degradation from oxygen, moisture, light and heat[1]. In accelerated storage tests, a gummy with unprotected vitamin C kept 79% of its vitamin C after ten weeks[1].
So an old bottle may simply deliver less than the label says. That matters most if you're relying on a supplement for a specific nutrient your healthcare provider asked you to take.
Do gummy vitamins go bad faster?
Gummies are more sensitive to heat and humidity than many tablets. They can soften, stick together or harden. That's a texture change, but it's also a sign of the conditions that can speed up degradation[1].
Signs it's time to toss them, regardless of the date:
- Visible mold, moisture or discoloration
- An unusual or off smell
- Gummies fused into one solid block
- A damaged seal or a container that's been left open
How can you make vitamins last until their date?
- Store them cool, dry and out of direct light, not in the bathroom. See How to Store Vitamins So They Stay Fresh.
- Keep caps closed and pouches sealed.
- Fill a weekly organizer a week at a time rather than a month.
- Buy a size you'll finish. A daily routine tied to a cue, like a Vitamin Corner by the coffee maker, keeps bottles from being forgotten until they're stale. See how to remember to take your vitamins.
How do you throw away old vitamins?
The National Institute on Aging suggests checking expiration dates regularly and disposing of unused products through a pharmacy take-back program or by following FDA disposal guidance[3]. Whatever you do, keep old supplements up and out of children's reach while they wait to be thrown out[5], especially iron-containing products.
The honest summary
- Supplements aren't federally required to carry an expiration date.
- Dates you see are the manufacturer's own shelf-life dates.
- Vitamins can lose potency over time, faster in heat, humidity and light.
- Toss anything past its date, or anything that looks, smells or feels wrong.
Our option
Vita Globe 7-Day Pill Organizer
Our 7-Day Pill Organizer has seven individual compartments with secure snap lids in a compact, travel-friendly case. Sorting a week at a time means the bulk of your supply stays sealed and protected, and a daily routine helps you finish bottles well before their date.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to take expired vitamins?
There isn't much research on the safety of expired supplements. The best-documented concern is lost potency, so an old product may not deliver what the label says[1]. Don't take anything that looks, smells or feels off, and replace products past their date.
How long are vitamins good for after opening?
It depends on the product and storage. Follow the label, keep the container closed and store it cool and dry[1].
Why don't some supplements have an expiration date?
Because it isn't required. FDA's supplement manufacturing rule doesn't mandate expiration dating[2].
Do gummy vitamins expire faster than pills?
Gummies are more sensitive to heat and humidity, so storage matters even more. Check the label date and the gummies' condition.
Sources
- Yan B, Davachi SM, Ravanfar R, et al. Improvement of vitamin C stability in vitamin gummies by encapsulation in casein gel. Food Hydrocolloids. 2021;113:106414. doi:10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.106414
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements; Final Rule. Federal Register. June 25, 2007;72 FR 34752 (21 CFR Part 111). federalregister.gov
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health. Taking Medicines Safely as You Age. Page last reviewed September 22, 2022. nia.nih.gov
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements. Updated August 27, 2026. fda.gov
- Up and Away — an initiative of PROTECT, created in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Put Your Medicines Up and Away and Out of Sight. upandaway.org
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
