Is the expiration date on vitamins the start of the decline or the end of total decline in efficiency?!
Question: Usually the start, however it varies from to product how long they will be effective after the expiration date. For example I wouldnt use a probiotic too long after expiration date, however I still use other supplements after their date and they are fine. Some products dont really go off for years and years but by law all products need to have an expiry date. Some herbs in capsule form may be less effective after their expiry date quicker than a vitamin supplement for example. If you have any queries phone the company up from where they are made and they will tell you. I get some vitamins in that have a 5 or 6 year expiry date on them so I couldnt imagine them ever really going off or being less effective and they would be just as efficient right up to the date on the packet. Hope this helps.
Answers: Usually the start, however it varies from to product how long they will be effective after the expiration date. For example I wouldnt use a probiotic too long after expiration date, however I still use other supplements after their date and they are fine. Some products dont really go off for years and years but by law all products need to have an expiry date. Some herbs in capsule form may be less effective after their expiry date quicker than a vitamin supplement for example. If you have any queries phone the company up from where they are made and they will tell you. I get some vitamins in that have a 5 or 6 year expiry date on them so I couldnt imagine them ever really going off or being less effective and they would be just as efficient right up to the date on the packet. Hope this helps.
That is the date that they are "garunteed" for. It is like saying if they spoil before this date, you can have your money back (although that isnt' really a deal that the companies are making). And they are saying anything after this date we cannot be responsible for.
It is a conservative estimate of the start of decline.
By law, companies are required to post an expiration date for the effectiveness of the product. Based upon the preservatives and stabilizers used in the product, the company cannot guarantee the effectiveness beyond that date. It is usually the beginning of the decline of effectiveness, however, that can come extremely rapid.
Neither, really. The potency starts to decline the moment the tablet is manufactured, and continues to decline forever. The manufacturer is just saying that until this date, the tablet will have at least 90% of the labeled amounts. (Assuming you store the bottle as directed.) After that date, potency can not be guaranteed. Most of the ingredients will still be good, but the most sensitive ones will degrade faster. SO, the date does not mark either the start of the decline (that would be the manufacturing date) nor the "end of the total decline" (that would be considerably later than the expiration date.)