Expiration Dates on Supplements

[Seiryu]

So I was just looking at my Herpitivite and Rep-Cal containers and their expiration dates are August 2010.

Should I actually go by these dates or can they last months/years longer as long as they don't get wet and are closed after each use? If so, how long do they actually last after "expiring"?

I have only gone through maybe 50-60% of the containers, and I would hate to lose half of it.

 

[DeanS]

As long as your keeping them in a cool, dark place...they can be effective up to a coupla years past the EX date

 

[tortoisenerd]

I wouldn't be using anything but pure calcium for supplements, unless it is natural like Total Nutrition for Tortoises (TNT, from Carolina Pet Supply), but that is just me. I would not want to use anything past the expiration as it can have a lessened nutritional value. It really depends on the product so it is hard to guess, so I like to assume that they meant well by the expiration date and I follow it unless the product has been frozen. I now they say human vitamins have slightly less value after the expiration typically, but they also give some leeway on them.

 

[Seiryu]

I wouldn't be using anything but pure calcium for supplements, unless it is natural like Total Nutrition for Tortoises (TNT, from Carolina Pet Supply), but that is just me. I would not want to use anything past the expiration as it can have a lessened nutritional value. It really depends on the product so it is hard to guess, so I like to assume that they meant well by the expiration date and I follow it unless the product has been frozen. I now they say human vitamins have slightly less value after the expiration typically, but they also give some leeway on them.

Thanks Kate. I have talked to a few experienced people about adding a supplement and they were pretty convincing on how hard it is to overdose d3 or vitamins in a growing tortoise (almost impossible unless you give it daily). Not to mention, I am only giving it once a week.

 

[tortoisenerd]

I would like to add it is hard to overdose calcium, but I think it is possible to overdose vitamins and D3--we don't have the knowledge to know what is too much. Do the research and see what you think--I can only tell you my opinion from what I've read, and I would not use that, even once a week. Up to you.