Does it make a difference where you store your vitamins and supplements? The answer is YES. Research indicates supplement storage impacts the shelf life and potency of vitamins and dietary supplements. Food scientists at Purdue University published a study reporting the impact of temperatures and humidity levels on vitamin C.

They found vitamin C showed signs of deterioration when humidity levels rose to 80 percent and higher. While their focus was vitamin C, the impact of temperature and humidity on supplements has been studied over the years.

As heat and humidity can degrade supplements, Cooper Complete products all have this instruction on the container: “For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place (59° – 77° F/15°-25° C) (35-65% relative humidity).”

It makes sense to store our vitamins where we can see them and remember to take them. For most people, the obvious storage place is the car, kitchen, bathroom or desk.

In the bathroom

The bathroom suffers from major humidity issues and temperature changes. Each time the supplement bottle is opened, the contents in the bottle are potentially exposed to higher than recommended levels of humidity. Storing the supplements in the medicine cabinet can also be problematic depending upon how much time is spent in front of the cabinet mirror with the hot water running and razor in hand for the morning shave. If supplement storage in the bathroom is what works for you, the linen cabinet, dressing area or walk-in closet are better options.

In the kitchen

The kitchen can be a dicey location. Contrary to popular opinion, most vitamins and supplements do not require refrigeration. While the refrigerator temperature  (35° F /1.6° C) isn’t a big concern, humidity can be a problem. If you prefer to refrigerate your supplements, be sure to fully close the lids. Ideally, supplements will live on the kitchen table. A cabinet or counter is also fine, as long as it isn’t near the stove, oven or sink where heat and humidity levels vary.

At the office

Many Cooper teammates keep their vitamins and supplements on their desk or in a drawer or cabinet. This is actually a good supplement storage plan as office temperatures stay fairly steady, and the bottle is a good visual 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 softgels quickly melt into a mess. Interior car temperatures climb to exorbitantly high levels during the summer – well into the three-digits. While softgels disintegrate, tablets lose their potency as high temperatures oxidize and degrade ingredients. To preserve quality and potency, do not store supplements in your car.

In the bedroom

Light, heat and humidity affect quality and potency so the bedroom is actually a great place to store supplements as it’s usually cool, dry and dark.

Bottom line, store vitamins and supplements in a place you would be physically comfortable. The optimal location is not too hot, not too cold, not too dry and not too humid.

Supplement storage recommendations by Jill Turner.