Supplement Cupboard Clean Out

Why a supplement cupboard clean out sets you up for stronger new year training

Once the holiday festivities die down and the last leftovers are re-heated for dinner, a sudden, powerful urge to get organised before the New Year hits inevitably sets in, and there is no better place to start than your supplement cupboard!

As we wrap up the old year and prepare for renewed fitness and wellness goals, December is an ideal time to review your supplement routine, clear out unnecessary clutter, and ensure that what you’re using is appropriate, fresh, and stored correctly. A thoughtful supplement audit helps you start the new year with confidence, consistency, and safety.

The Date Debate

Your first step is to pull everything out of your cupboard, especially that long-forgotten tub in the back. Once you’ve dragged everything into the light, check the dates printed on the label.

Understanding supplement date labels is important, as these relate to quality, stability, and potency, rather than the immediate safety implications often associated with perishable goods.

This is a guideline for the retailer on when to pull the product from the shelf. It doesn’t mean the product is instantly unsafe after this date!

This is a guideline for consumers, indicating the best time to consume the product for optimal quality. Doing so means you’ll get the most from your investment.

This is the date when the supplement manufacturer guarantees the product, specifically its active ingredients, will retain its full marketed quality and potency. Beyond this date, ingredient degradation may occur, meaning the product may no longer deliver the intended benefits.

While some supplements may not become harmful immediately after expiry, manufacturers can only guarantee quality and effectiveness up to the stated expiry date. For this reason, expired supplements are not recommended for use, particularly when consistency, efficacy, and safety are priorities.

Keep It or Kick It?

Using supplements that have lost potency defeats their purpose, and certain categories require extra caution.

Regardless of the date, any signs of mould, unusual odours, clumping caused by moisture, or visible changes in colour or texture mean the product should be discarded immediately.

In some cases, flavour systems in protein or meal replacement powders may degrade before the core ingredients. If a product tastes noticeably off, it may no longer be enjoyable to consume. While this does not necessarily indicate a health risk, discarding products that are no longer palatable is often the most practical choice.

Clear the Clutter & Consolidate

Now that you know what to keep based on the date, it’s time to get ruthless with the rest.

If you have several partially used tubs of the same product, consider finishing them before opening new ones. Avoid mixing powders from different tubs unless they are the same product and flavour, and ensure hands and scoops are completely dry to prevent moisture contamination.

Proper storage plays a critical role in maintaining supplement quality. Avoid storing products in areas exposed to heat, humidity, or temperature fluctuations, such as near ovens, stoves, or in bathrooms. A cool, dry cupboard is usually ideal. Refrigeration may be beneficial for certain supplements, such as probiotics, fish oil, or enzymes — but only if indicated on the label. Not all supplements are suitable for fridge storage, as condensation can introduce moisture and compromise stability.

Restock for the New Year

With the clutter cleared, the leftovers consolidated, and your storage optimised, it’s time to restock the essentials. As you head into January with renewed focus and fresh goals for strength and performance, make sure you have the core products that support your success.

WHEY

Whey protein remains a fundamental supplement for anyone focusing on performance and strength in the new year. By providing a complete protein, a product like Biogen Iso-Whey Premium Protein provides all nine essential amino acids and the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), making it exceptionally effective for stimulating muscle protein synthesis, which is the process needed to repair muscle damage after intense workouts and build new muscle mass.

Starting the year with a fresh, high-quality whey tub ensures you have a convenient, fast-digesting source of protein immediately available after training sessions to directly support your recovery by helping you meet the higher protein demands as your training intensity ramps up.

MICRONUTRIENTS

Stocking up on crucial micronutrients that support your health as you enter a demanding training cycle is another smart move. Vitamin C, found in high doses in Biogen Vitamin C 1000mg caps or Biogen Vitamin C Liquid, is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function1 and is vital for the synthesis of collagen, supporting connective tissue health2.

Vitamin D3 is essential for bone health and plays a key role in regulating immune response3 and mood4. These characteristics can make a product like Biogen Vitamin D3 1000IU or Biogen Vitamin D3 Oral Spray particularly important as you head back to university or the office in the new year.

Zinc is a mineral central to numerous metabolic processes, including immune function5 and hormone production6. Including a product like Biogen Zinc Complex Plus in your new year stack completes a. powerful trio of supplements that can help boost immunity and support overall well-being.

PROBITOICS

A high-quality multi-strain probiotic supplement is another excellent addition to your regimen to support gut health, which has profound effects on the rest of your body.

The gut microbiome is critical for efficient nutrient absorption, ensuring that the protein, vitamins, and minerals you consume are more effectively utilised. A balanced gut also contributes significantly to immune system function7 and can even impact mood8.

Restocking with a quality multi-strain probiotic like Biogen Supreme Probiotic 9-Strain or Biogen Supreme Probiotic For Her helps maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, which is particularly important as you commit to new diet and training routines that can sometimes stress the digestive system.

PRE-WORKOUT

And don’t forget to support the shift in training intensity with a potent pre-workout supplement. A formula like that found in Biogen Premium Pre-Workout is a practical inclusion for optimising performance and consistency when tackling challenging new year training goals.

This well-formulated pre-workout has been formulated with high levels of Beta-alanine, L-citrulline malate and creatine monohydrate for assisting you through your workout with benefits that may include explosive power, muscle performance and muscular endurance. Added BCAAs and L-glutamine support recovery.

Remember, a December supplement audit isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about setting yourself up for success come January 1. By ensuring every product is potent, fresh, and stored correctly, you make sure your hard-earned money supports your goals.

While these supplements are commonly used to support training and general wellness, individual needs vary. Factors such as diet, training load, age, health status, and existing supplementation should always be considered. When in doubt, consulting a health care professional is advised.

REFERENCES:
  1. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.
  2. DePhillipo NN, Aman ZS, Kennedy MI, Begley JP, Moatshe G, LaPrade RF. Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2018 Oct 25;6(10):2325967118804544. doi: 10.1177/2325967118804544. PMID: 30386805; PMCID: PMC6204628.
  3. Martens PJ, Gysemans C, Verstuyf A, Mathieu AC. Vitamin D’s Effect on Immune Function. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 28;12(5):1248. doi: 10.3390/nu12051248. PMID: 32353972; PMCID: PMC7281985.
  4. Guzek D, Kołota A, Lachowicz K, Skolmowska D, Stachoń M, Głąbska D. Association between Vitamin D Supplementation and Mental Health in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2021 Nov 3;10(21):5156. doi: 10.3390/jcm10215156. PMID: 34768677; PMCID: PMC8584834.
  5. Wessels I, Maywald M, Rink L. Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 25;9(12):1286. doi: 10.3390/nu9121286. PMID: 29186856; PMCID: PMC5748737.
  6. Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R, Baltaci SB. Review: The role of zinc in the endocrine system. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2019 Jan;32(1):231-239. PMID: 30772815.
  7. Wiertsema SP, van Bergenhenegouwen J, Garssen J, Knippels LMJ. The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 9;13(3):886. doi: 10.3390/nu13030886. PMID: 33803407; PMCID: PMC8001875.
  8. Martin SE, Kraft CS, Ziegler TR, Millson EC, Rishishwar L, Martin GS. The Role of Diet on the Gut Microbiome, Mood and Happiness. medRxiv [Preprint]. 2023 Mar 21:2023.03.18.23287442. doi: 10.1101/2023.03.18.23287442. PMID: 36993403; PMCID: PMC10055576.