Why multivitamins should not be kept in handbags

Storing vitamins in a medicine cabinet, handbag, car safe and other humid areas like the kitchen can reduce their effectiveness. Experts warn that for best results, people should keep vulnerable products like multivitamins in a cool, dry area with little humidity, reports Sade Oguntola. EVERYBODY grew up with different ways of doing things or habits that were hardly questioned regardless of whether they were right, beneficial or not. One of such is the way medications are handled. Some people keep their medications in their handbags, some prefer to carry them in the pockets of their shirts or trousers while some just spread them on the dining table or shelf. It is not strange either to see people hiding their medications in the safe of their cars or even in the cars’ glove compartment. Certainly, it is expected that drugs, especially multivitamins, be kept out of the reach of children and from deterioration, but how they are stored is equally important. Vitamin supplements came into vogue in the early 1900s, when it was difficult or impossible for most people to get a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. There are 13 known vitamins that humans must consume in their diet to maintain good health. But no natural food can contain all of these needed vitamins. The 13 vitamins, which are different in their chemical structures and specific functions have been classified into two groups. Vitamin A, D, E and K are labeled fat-soluble, because they mix with and are carried in dietary fats and oils. The remaining nine vitamins are water soluble. Water soluble vitamins are different from fat soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored to any degree in the body. Therefore, regular dietary intake is necessary. Also, when large amounts of a water soluble vitamin is consumed, the excess is readily excreted. Toxic effects from over-consumption are less likely to occur. Water-soluble vitamins are more easily destroyed by contact with heat, light and basic substances, such as baking soda. They are also easily leached from or soaked out during food preparation using water. Also, improper processing, preparation and storage of foods may lower their water soluble vitamin content. Ideally, you should receive all your nutrition from high quality unprocessed foods. Unfortunately, if you are like most people, you may find it impractical or impossible to eat right all the time and so rely on supplementing your meals with a quality multivitamin every day – just to be sure. Irrespective of why the multivitamins were prescribed for use, whether it is to promote optimal health, boost immune system or provide support for defense against a growing number of health concerns, improper usage, storage or handling of these vitamins could turn out to be a waste of money, not beneficial, or harmful. According to Mrs. Doyin Oduntan, a deputy director, Pharmaceutical department, University College Hospital, (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, although these vitamins and supplements might have been brought from reputable sources, their handling right from the point of purchase until the last tablet or capsule is taken is very important. Multivitamins and supplements ought to be stored at below room temperature and in a cool as well as dry place. Mrs. Oduntan explained that “most vitamins and supplements have coating that are sensitive to heat and moisture, and so this affects their effectiveness because they could easily be denatured.