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Most consumers today automatically believe that storing discount vitamins in the bathroom medicine chest is the norm, only to find out later that it is actually one of the worst places to keep them. Supplements and vitamins are comprised of a variety of ingredients, and if not stored properly, can lose their potency and effectiveness. This can especially be true in cases where the discount vitamins have been purchased in bulk, therefore not used right away.

When vitamins are stored properly, they can usually remain at their best for four to five years. So, what are the most important things to know about supplying and handling vitamins?

' First and foremost, the majority of discount vitamins and supplements should be tightly sealed, at a cool temperature, dry and away from light. The information for the specific requirements for the vitamins can usually be found on the packaging and the manufacturer's website or customer service line.

' The best place to keep vitamins is in the linen closet, which can accommodate all of the requirements for storage.

' According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a daily multivitamin is regularly given to 25% to 50% of all children in the United States. For most children however, vitamins are not always necessary as long as they are active and are on a healthy diet. Vitamins A, C and K, as well as Iron, Calcium and Fluoride can be beneficial to those children in need a vitamin regimen. It is vital that all drugs, even vitamins, are kept out of the reach of children. Excessive amounts of vitamins such as A, D and K can be exceptionally harmful to children.

' Vitamins should only be placed in the refrigerator when long-term storage is necessary. According to Glen Shue, a nutritionist for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a three-month supply of the discount vitamins should be kept out of the refrigerator, with the remaining sealed tightly. When it comes time to retrieve more vitamins, the storage bottle should be taken out of the fridge, allowing it to get to room temperature before opening. A helpful money saving tip is to ensure that when buying in bulk, the specific types of vitamins and/or minerals being purchased will be used on a daily basis to ensure that they do not go too far out of date and thus disposed of.

' The only supplements that don't fall under the 'no fridge rule' are fatty acids and antioxidants, especially Carotenoids (luteins, beta-carotene, etc.) and Vitamin E. These must be must be protected from air oxidation thus storing in the refrigerator in a dark bottle/container is best.

' Never store vitamins in the kitchen or in the bathroom. The bathroom is a bad idea because of the amount of heat and humidity caused by showers or bathing. Kitchens also contain a large amount of moisture as well as vaporized fats. These collect on the vitamins, causing them to lose their potency.

' Packaging does make a difference! As often as possible discount vitamins and minerals need to be kept in the original container it was sold in. in order to avoid deterioration of its strength.

' The Food and Drug Administration does not require expiration dates or storage instructions on bottle on vitamins. While most manufacturers indicate the dates anyway, it is not a requirement. Companies understand that they are responsible for the way in which the vitamins and supplements work but only up to the expiration date. In order to remember how long the supplements have been in the home when it is not indicated, Mr. Shue suggests dating the bottle with the date it was purchased.

' Vitamins that are out of date are not dangerous to a person's health. These vitamins simply lose their effectiveness and potency. According to Dr. Steven Strauss, author of 'Your Prescription and You', chemical analysis is the old true way to find out if a vitamin has lost is potency. Dr. Strauss explains that the only other possible way to know if the vitamins are not good any longer is if there is a change in the color, the taste, the smell, or it's physical appearance.

Not only is the correct storage and handling of vitamins important; equally important is the actual usage of the vitamins. It is wise to first speak with a doctor to verify the best vitamins and/or supplements for a person's body and lifestyle. If prescription drugs are being taken, some vitamins and minerals can cause both mild and severe drug interactions.

In addition, make sure that before purchasing vitamins and/or supplements, the instructions are read carefully. The most helpful discount vitamin websites will give a breakdown of the name, ingredients, color, size and correct usage and dosage of each vitamin. These sites also provide additional information about news and events in the vitamin industry as well as articles pertaining to vitamins, supplements and minerals.

Go online today and explore the wide-variety of discount vitamins, minerals and supplements available. To learn more about the specific ones of interest, take the opportunity to read some of the articles and learn about news and events taking place in the industry. Discount vitamins and other supplements are vital to good health. With exercise, vitamins and a healthy diet, a person can live their life to the fullest potential.