Supplement Storage Suggestions

Food scientists at Purdue University published a study this year reporting the impact of temperatures and humidity levels on vitamin C. In the findings, vitamin C showed signs of deterioration when humidity levels rose to 80 percent and higher. While researchers only focused on vitamin C, the impact of temperature and humidity on supplements has been studied over the years.

Heat and humidity can degrade supplements quickly, therefore Cooper Complete supplements have these instructions on the container: “For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place (59 – 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 – 65 percent relative humidity).”

Generally we want to store our vitamins where we’ll see them and remember to take them. For most people, the obvious places seem to be the car, kitchen, bathroom, or desk.

In the bathroom
The bathroom suffers from major humidity issues and temperature changes. Each opening of the supplement bottle potentially exposes them to higher than recommended levels of humidity. And storing the supplements in the medicine cabinet can also be an issue if much time is spent in front of the cabinet mirror with the hot water running and razor in hand for the morning shave. If you must store your supplements in the bathroom, the linen closet, dressing area, or walk-in closet are better options.

In the kitchen
The kitchen can be a dicey location. Contrary to popular opinion, vitamins do not need to be stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is actually too cold and is also prone to humidity. If you elect to keep your supplements in the kitchen, our recommendation is to put them in a cabinet or on a counter away from the stove, oven, or sink, where heat and humidity levels are much higher than optimal.

At the office
Here at Cooper many associates keep their vitamins on their desk. Office temperatures stay fairly steady. Seeing the bottle is a good 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 that softgels are quickly reduced to a giant, solidified brick. Interior car temperatures climb to exorbitantly high levels during the summer – well into the three-digits. Just as the heat turns up in the summer, the winter months can become too cold for vitamin storage (similar to a refrigerator). To avoid any temperature problems, it’s best to keep vitamins out of your car for long periods of time.

Bottom line; keep your supplements in a location where you would be comfortable – not too hot, not too cold, not too dry, and not too humid.

Our toll free number is 888-393-2221; email us at Questions@CooperWellness.com.

To purchase Cooper Complete supplements, visit the Cooper Store.

Reference
Influence of simultaneous variations in temperature and relative humidity on chemical stability of two vitamin C forms and implications for shelf life models
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20163110

Impact of deliquescence on the chemical stability of vitamins B1, B6, and C in powder blends
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18593179

The Claim: Always Store Vitamins in the Medicine Cabinet
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/health/02really.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.

Chelation Therapy – Metal or money eliminators?

While there are fantastic over-the-counter (OTC) solutions for all kinds of issues (for example, old-fashioned aspirin for a headache, or cortisone products for all kinds of itches), the reality is that there are also a lot of OTC items that are – plain and simple – a complete waste of time and money. One that recently crossed my path was Chelation therapy.

Chelation therapy was developed many years ago as an antidote for mustard gas poisoning during wartime. Chelating agents (chemicals) actually bind to heavy metals to carry them out of the body. The FDA has never approved any chelation product for OTC use for any health condition.

In mid-October, the FDA advised consumers to avoid “chelation” products that are marketed OTC to prevent or treat diseases. Eight companies received letters from the FDA about marketing claims made for treating a range of disorders from autism to Alzheimer’s disease with chelation. Some of the products are marketed as dietary supplements, and are available in various forms – nasal sprays, liquid drops, clay baths, and suppositories. FDA compliance expert Deborah Autor said “these (chelation) products are dangerously misleading because they are targeted to patients with serious conditions and limited treatment options.”

While there are thousands of different products on the market, the FDA does not approve vitamins and supplements. Research on what is right for you is imperative.

Please, do not try to take a supplement to treat a serious health issue! A dietary supplement cannot claim to treat, mitigate, prevent, or diagnose disease.

o The FDA’s warning
o Consumer warning
o Questions and answers

Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the company that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements, and oversees the Cooper Wellness, a medically supervised, in-residence lifestyle modification program. E-mail (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments.