Useful recommendations on how to store fish oil correctly and for how long

Fish oil is a product of natural origin, containing beneficial trace elements, minerals and organic acids. To avoid losing its properties, it must be stored correctly.

It is important to know the conditions and expiration dates of each of the release forms, since fish oil is produced not only in liquid form, but also in capsules.

How to properly store fish oil? Having familiarized yourself with the storage rules, you can be sure that the drug will not become unusable ahead of time and will not cause harm to health.

What is the product?

The product is obtained by processing the liver and muscle fibers of fish living in ocean waters. During production, no heat treatment is performed to extend the shelf life of the substance. Therefore, storing fish oil has its own characteristics.

The product is available in the following forms:

• liquid (tinted bottles of various sizes are used);
• dosed capsules with a dense gelatin shell;
• lozenges packaged in packages made of dark material.

Where to keep it - in capsules and liquid form?

Let's look at how to store fish oil in different forms:

Capsule:

1. It is not necessary to refrigerate a product packaged in an airtight container. A dark place at room temperature is suitable, ideally a first aid kit.
2. Shelf life will increase if stored in the refrigerator.
3. Exposure to sunlight should be avoided.
4. The preparation must be provided with moderate humidity. Dampness causes gelatin capsule shells to become sticky and sticky.

When purchasing a product on sale, you should pay attention to the date of its production. If the expiration date expires, the storage temperature should not exceed +4°C. Freezing and excessive heating must be avoided.

In liquid form:

1. After opening, the product in liquid form must be stored in the refrigerator at a low temperature.
2. The sealed drug should be located in a place where the temperature does not exceed +12°C. As a rule, this information is provided by the manufacturer.
3. Do not allow sunlight to reach the container with the product. This will help avoid the occurrence of chemical reactions that lead to oxidation of the product. Tinted glass bottles and cardboard packaging provide additional protection from the sun's rays.
4. Do not allow the liquid product to freeze or freeze.
5. If a sediment similar to flakes appears in the liquid, it should not be considered spoiled. Saturated fatty acids dissolve at room temperature.

Deadlines

The drug in capsule form can be stored for two to three years., only on condition that the packaging is hermetically sealed and located in a dry, dark place. After opening the container, subject to all storage rules, the shelf life is reduced to six months.

The sealed liquid product can be kept for up to one year from the date of manufacture.Once the container is opened, fish oil will last up to two to three months. All standards are specified in the attached instructions.

Result of improper storage

The product is susceptible to oxidation under the influence of oxygen in case of non-compliance with storage rules or after the expiration date:

1. In liquid form, it acquires a pungent fishy odor and tastes bitter. At the end of the shelf life, the substance will turn into a solution with a particularly unpleasant odor and rancid taste.
2. Capsular fish oil, including omega-3, loses its natural yellow hue and becomes dull.

Why is product oxidation dangerous?

When consuming an oxidized product, poisoning or any similar consequences for humans are excluded. But when the product is oxidized, the content of DHA and EPA fatty acids is significantly reduced.

Due to the content of these healing compounds, people take fish oil. That's why the oxidized drug no longer fulfills its purpose, it becomes useless.

In this regard, it is important not to violate the rules for storing fish oil and monitor its expiration date in order to prevent the oxidation process and preserve all the beneficial healing properties.

Signs of a spoiled drug

The shelf life of a useful product after opening the package largely depends on compliance with certain conditions. But if a bitter taste occurs and the odor is too strong, fish oil should be excluded from the diet, even if it is still fresh by its expiration date.

The unsuitability of the drug can be determined by the following signs:

• the product became an unnatural color for him;
• delamination began;
• the gelatin coating of the capsules has become dull and lost its shine;
• units of matter stick together;
• the liquid preparation has become cloudy and a sediment has appeared;
• expired capsule fish oil does not retain its original shape and is not restored when the gelatin shell is pressed.

If there is any suspicion that the product has spoiled, it should be thrown away.

Conclusion

Fish oil perfectly strengthens the immune system and protects the human body, especially during seasonal exacerbations of diseases. Despite its unconditional benefits, Before use, please read the instructions.

It is worth paying attention to such points as expiration date, storage conditions, side effects and contraindications.