Can I still take probiotics after they have expired?

Aug 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to consume expired probiotics. After expiration, the viability of probiotics significantly decreases, not only losing their original effectiveness but also potentially posing safety risks. In daily life, when purchasing probiotics, it is important to check the expiration date, buy according to actual needs to avoid stockpiling, follow the storage instructions provided by the product, and ensure consumption within the shelf life to achieve their intended benefits.

Generally, expired probiotics are not recommended for consumption. After expiration, the activity of the probiotics significantly decreases, rendering them ineffective and potentially unsafe. Detailed explanations are as follows:

The core value of probiotics lies in the live bacteria they contain. The product's shelf life is determined based on the viability and stability of these live bacteria. After expiration, a large number of live bacteria die, making them ineffective in regulating the intestinal flora and offering virtually no health benefits after consumption. Some probiotic products contain excipients such as sugars and milk powder, which may breed bacteria or spoil after expiration. Consuming such products may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea, thereby adversely affecting health. Therefore, regardless of whether the probiotics are in capsule, powder, or tablet form, they should not be consumed once past their expiration date.

In daily life, when purchasing probiotics, it is important to check the expiration date, buy according to actual needs to avoid stockpiling, follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer, and ensure consumption within the shelf life to achieve the intended health benefits. Developing the habit of checking food expiration dates contributes to maintaining dietary health.

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