Supplement Storage Suggestions

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Food scientists at Purdue University published a study reporting the impact of temperatures and humidity levels on vitamin C. In the findings, vitamin C showed signs of deterioration when humidity levels rose to 80 percent and higher. While researchers only focused on vitamin C, the impact of temperature and humidity on supplements has been studied over the years.

Heat and humidity can degrade supplements quickly, therefore Cooper Complete supplements have these instructions on the container: "For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place (59 - 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 - 65 percent relative humidity)."

Generally we want to store our vitamins where we'll see them and remember to take them. For most people, the obvious places seem to be the car, kitchen, bathroom or desk.

In the bathroom
The bathroom suffers from major humidity issues and temperature changes. Each opening of the supplement bottle potentially exposes them to higher than recommended levels of humidity. And storing the supplements in the medicine cabinet can also be an issue if much time is spent in front of the cabinet mirror with the hot water running and razor in hand for the morning shave. If you must store your supplements in the bathroom, the linen closet, dressing area or walk-in closet are better options.

In the kitchen
The kitchen can be a dicey location. Contrary to popular opinion, vitamins do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is actually too cold and is also prone to humidity. If you elect to keep your supplements in the kitchen, our recommendation is to put them in a cabinet or on a counter away from the stove, oven or sink, where heat and humidity levels are much higher than optimal.

At the office
Here at Cooper many employees keep their vitamins on their desk. Office temperatures stay fairly steady. Seeing the bottle is a good reminder to take the daily dose.

In the car
Those of us living in the hot south and southwest only have to leave our supplements in the car once during summer to realize that softgels are quickly reduced to a giant, solidified brick. Interior car temperatures climb to exorbitantly high levels during the summer - well into the three-digits. Just as the heat turns up in the summer, the winter months can become too cold for vitamin storage (similar to a refrigerator). To avoid any temperature problems, it's best to keep vitamins out of your car for long periods of time.

Bottom line; keep your supplements in a location where you would be comfortable - not too hot, not too cold, not too dry and not too humid.

To learn more about Cooper Complete Nutritional Supplements, click here.

By Jill Turner, President of Cooper Complete®