Gut health impacts numerous facets of both physical and mental health and relies on a diverse array of beneficial bacteria (via Healthline). A well-balanced variety of good bacteria in your gut can enhance digestion, boost the immune system, regulate blood sugar levels, support cardiovascular health, and improve mood, according to Healthline.
Enhancing your gut health can be achieved by incorporating probiotics into your diet. These can be found in yogurt, raw sauerkraut, kombucha, and capsule supplements, consisting of beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome (via Everyday Health). Registered dietitian and microbiome researcher at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Gail Cresci, Ph.D., explained to Forbes that certain probiotics “can produce antimicrobial peptides and proteins that help fight opportunistic bacteria in the gut. We eat and drink bad bacteria all the time, but typically, we don’t get sick, and that’s because of the good bacteria inside us.”
Even though these gut-friendly microorganisms are present in some foods, you might opt for supplements due to their convenience. However, before accumulating a supply, it’s important to consider the shelf life of your probiotics and their expiration.
Probiotics can expire
While some individuals prefer to purchase nonperishable items like shampoo, pasta, and canned soup in bulk, it’s advisable to buy probiotic supplements one bottle at a time, as they do, in fact, expire. Dr. Kim Langdon, a clinical adviser at digital health startup Medzino, told Insider, “Probiotics are living bacteria and will be subject to inactivity over time. It’s best to discard them based on the manufacturer’s guideline, which is usually one year.” Some probiotics need refrigeration, but even if your brand doesn’t, storing them in a cool, dry place can extend their shelf life (via Insider).
According to Livestrong, consuming expired probiotic supplements won’t likely cause adverse effects or illness, but they won’t provide health benefits either. This is supported by a 2020 study published in FEMS Microbes, which concluded that while some probiotics retained potency after expiration, it was insufficient for significant impact on gut health.
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