Vitamins stored in bathrooms, kitchens may become less effective

Purdue University ^ | Mar 2, 2010 | Brian Wallheimer

[decimon]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - High humidity present in bathrooms and kitchens could be degrading the vitamins and health supplements stored in those rooms, even if the lids are on tight, a Purdue University study shows.

Lisa Mauer, an associate professor of food science, said that crystalline substances - including vitamin C, some vitamin B forms and other dietary supplements - are prone to a process called deliquescence, in which humidity causes a water-soluble solid to dissolve. Keeping those supplements away from warm, humid environments can help ensure their effectiveness.

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Consumers could notice liquid in vitamin containers, but Mauer said another sign of nutrient degradation is brown spots, especially on children's vitamins. Mauer suggested discarding any dietary supplement that is showing signs of moisture uptake or browning.

"They're not necessarily unsafe, but why give a vitamin to a kid if it doesn't have the vitamin content you're hoping to give them?" Mauer said. "You're just giving them candy at that point with a high sugar content."

[DannyTN]

"NEVER keep them in the bathroom, where visitors and/or children/teenagers can rummage through your drugs and help themselves."

If you have children in the house, you should have drugs behind lock and key.

[buccaneer81]

I keep my excess buy 1 get 1 free in an un-heated bedroom in the closet,

That may be close to perfect in the average home.

[grey_whiskers]

The only thing like that I keep in the fridge is my Preparation H....don't want to get it mixed up with my teefpaste.

Trust me on this, it is NOT a good thing to do.

Cheers!

[GailA]

We have a 3,800 sq ft house, for the 2 of us, 4 bedrooms, we close off the 2 we don’t use and keep the day temp at 65, night at 60. Summer at 75/65.

[metmom]

They’ve been telling people this for decades.

Why is this news?

And why was research money spent on it to find out what we already know?

[buccaneer81]

keep the day temp at 65, night at 60. Summer at 75/65.

Perfect.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thanks for the ping.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!