29Aug/111
How can I tell if my fish oil capsules go bad?
I have a bottle that is a month expired, but my mom said things like vitamins and supplements can be taken a month after the exp. date. Does fish oil really expire, and how do you tell? I only ask because aspirin for instance has an exp. date, but my former boss, daughter of a pharmacist said it never goes bad. Is it ok to take my capsules?
August 29th, 2011 - 14:21
Typically, supplements in pill, and capsule form can be taken for about a year past their expiration date.
Gel caps, liquids, juice supplements, and oil capsules are different, as these really do go bad. A month past the expiration date is as far as I would push these.
You can usually tell if they are bad by the taste, and smell. With fish oil capsules, and liquids, you will have to pay close attention, as fish oil doesn’t have the best taste, or smell even when these products are fresh.
You can recognize a rancid taste, however, by a slight "bite, or sting" and it will have a smell that is somehow a little "off" than just the normal fishy odor.
When I’m not sure about the freshness of foods, and supplements, I go by this simple rule…"When in doubt, throw it out!"
Hope this helped you.