Learn About Vitamin and Supplement Storage Suggestions
You’ve stocked up on high-quality supplements to support your health—now what? Whether you’re taking vitamin D, omega-3s, a multivitamin, or collagen, how you store these nutrients matters more than you might think. Heat, light, and humidity can quietly sabotage your health efforts by degrading potency over time. If you’re keeping your vitamins in the bathroom medicine cabinet or tossing your multivitamin in a kitchen drawer, it may be time to rethink your routine. Here’s how to keep your supplements fresh, effective, and working hard for your health goals with smart supplement storage strategies.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Your vitamins and dietary supplements may appear the same over time, but improper supplement storage can negatively impact the contents in the bottle. Higher temperatures, excess moisture, and light exposure can all degrade active ingredients, especially in supplements like vitamin C, which are particularly sensitive to humidity.
In one study by Purdue University food scientists, vitamin C began to break down when humidity levels exceeded 80 percent. Over time, improper supplement storage can mean that your vitamins and supplements may not deliver the same level of support†, even if you’re taking them faithfully every day.
This is why Cooper Complete supplements include this storage recommendation on the label: “For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place (59° – 77° F/15°-25° C) (35-65% relative humidity).”
Supplement Storage: Best, Worst, and Often Overlooked Places
Storing vitamins where you can see them serves as a reminder to take them. However, the temperature and humidity of that location are critical. A good rule of thumb is to store vitamins and supplements in a place where you would be most physically comfortable, with the optimal location being neither too hot, too cold, too dry, nor too humid.
In the Bathroom: Not Ideal
The bathroom suffers from significant humidity issues and temperature fluctuations, making it one of the worst places to store supplements. Steam from showers and fluctuating temperatures create a humid environment that can degrade capsules, tablets, and powders. Each time the supplement bottle is opened, the contents are potentially exposed to higher-than-recommended humidity levels. This issue is compounded if lids aren’t completely closed after use. If bathroom storage is your habit, consider moving your supplements to a nearby linen closet or bedroom drawer.
In the Bedroom: A Good Option
Bedrooms are usually cool, dark, and dry, making them one of the best storage places. Keep bottles in a drawer or on the bedside table as a visual reminder, especially for supplements you take before bed.
In the Kitchen: Use Caution
Storing supplements in the kitchen can be dicey, even though this is a common storage place. Both temperature and humidity can vary widely near or above the stove, oven and sink. Although most vitamins and supplements do not require refrigeration, the refrigerator can be a useful storage space for sticky softgels, as cooler temperatures make softgels firmer and eliminate stickiness. However, be sure to fully close the bottle lids to prevent excessive humidity from entering. Since most supplements are best absorbed with food, the kitchen table or island can serve as a great visual reminder to take your vitamins. A kitchen cabinet or counter, positioned away from the sink and appliances, also works well for supplement storage that avoids excess heat or moisture.
In the Office (at Work or Home): Smart and Convenient
Many Cooper employees keep their vitamins and supplements on their desks, in a drawer, or a cabinet in their office. This is not only a safe space for supplements as office temperatures stay relatively constant, but it is also a practical place to keep them within reach, with the bottle remaining in sight to serve as a reminder to stay consistent with your routine.
In the Car: Avoid Completely
Please don’t store your vitamins in your vehicle. Temperatures inside cars can swing dramatically, both in summer and winter. While softgels disintegrate at high temperatures, tablets lose their potency due to extreme temperatures that oxidize and degrade their ingredients.
On the Go or Traveling? Don’t Forget Storage Basics
It’s common to toss supplements into a handbag, gym bag, or suitcase for convenience, but use caution as these on-the-go spots can expose vitamins to high temperatures, light, or friction. If you carry supplements in your bag or regularly travel, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Handbags, Backpacks, or Gym Bags: Avoid heat from being outdoors or inside a hot car. Take the backpack or gym bag into the office rather than letting your supplements cook in a hot car.
- Suitcases or Luggage: Avoid stowing supplements in checked luggage. Instead, store supplements in your carry-on bag where they have the best chance of staying within the ideal temperature range.
- Near Windows or Sunlit Surfaces: Light, such as in a beautifully sunlit room, can accelerate nutrient breakdown. Avoid storing vitamin and supplement bottles on countertops or windowsills exposed to direct sunlight.
Whether at home, at work, or on the go, store your supplements in a cool, dry, and shaded environment to best preserve their quality and effectiveness.
Daily Habits That Protect Supplement Quality
- Fully close and tighten lids to protect against moisture and air exposure.
- Avoid transferring supplements to other containers (including pill boxes) unless they are air-tight and (ideally) opaque.
- Store away from direct sunlight, including countertops and windowsills.
- Check expiration dates, and toss those that have expired.
Maintaining the quality of your supplements is just as important as choosing the right ones. By storing them in a suitable location, you help preserve their potency and ensure you’re getting the most out of your vitamins and supplements.
“Take the right supplements for you” is one of Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s 8 Steps to Get Cooperized™. Temperature and humidity can affect the efficacy of vitamins and supplements, as well as how well they work. However, a few simple changes to your supplement storage routine can help you preserve potency and maximize the benefits of your daily regimen.
As always, consult with your physician or health care provider to determine which vitamins and supplements are right for your unique needs.