That creatine expired 3 months ago — is it unsafe? The supplement expiration date system is legally mandated but widely misunderstood.

The Legal Definition

By law, the product must maintain 100% potency until the printed date when stored properly. After that, potency gradually declines but the product doesn’t become dangerous.

Which Supplements Degrade Fastest

Vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex degrade fastest due to oxidation. Fish oil oxidizes. Probiotics lose CFU counts. Minerals like magnesium remain stable for years.

Storage Matters More Than Dates

Heat, humidity, and light accelerate degradation. A cool, dry cabinet preserves supplements far longer than a hot, humid bathroom.

When to Throw It Away

Discard if you see clumping, discoloration, strange odors, or mold. For fish oil, break a capsule and smell it. Rancid oil smells like old paint.