So, whether or not a refrigerated probiotic would be more beneficial to you will depend on what you intended to diagnose, treat or cure. Both types of probiotics offer the same level of probiotic benefits and can do wonders for your gut health. It really mostly depends on what types of probiotic strains you’re looking for, and whether those bacteria can be freeze-dried or not. If they can be freeze-fried, they will often be shelf-stable and can be purchased non-refrigerated.
If you like your probiotic, you’ll probably use it well before two years though. Another good indication of how to properly store your probiotic is how it was stored when you bought it. If you found it in the refrigerated section of your local health food store, or it was shipped from the manufacturer with an ice pack, chances are, it’ll probably need to stay refrigerated.
One common question that arises when it comes to probiotics is whether or not they need to be refrigerated. This is especially true for seed probiotics, which are known for their potency and efficacy in supporting gut health.
Why Refrigeration Matters
Personally, we recommend going with non-refrigerated probiotics because they tend to be more convenient and less fragile. If you’re someone who likes to travel or take your probiotics during lunch, you probably don’t have access to a fridge at all times. You won’t have to worry about the stability of the probiotics if you go with a non-refrigerated option.
Probiotic supplements claim to solve this problem by replenishing your gut with the healthy bacteria it needs for optimal functioning. Here, we’ll analyze the popular probiotic brand Seed to determine whether its supplements are worth taking. The need for refrigeration depends on whether the supplement contains live cultures and the specific strain of probiotics used.
Refrigeration can play a crucial role in maintaining the viability and effectiveness of probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria that can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations. By storing probiotics in a cool environment, such as the refrigerator, you can help prolong their shelf life and ensure that they remain active until the expiration date.
It’s all about moisture—especially if you live in a warm, humid climate (we’re looking at you, Sunshine State). The reason we recommend keeping your probiotics in the refrigerator is to keep out moisture and help those good-for-your-gut bacteria last as long as possible. On the other hand, if you found your probiotics in a refrigerator in a health supplement store, then you should probably refrigerate it as soon as possible when you get home. If the probiotic needs to be refrigerated, the manufacturer will have that somewhere on the packaging. Now that we have dispelled the myth surrounding refrigeration, let’s focus on the proper storage and care for probiotics to ensure their efficacy. Let’s explore the scientific evidence to understand how temperature affects probiotic bacteria and whether refrigeration is necessary.
Seed Probiotics and Refrigeration
Just like other probiotics, seed probiotics benefit from being refrigerated. The cold temperature helps preserve the potency of the probiotic strains contained in the supplement. This means that when you take seed probiotics that have been stored in the refrigerator, you are more likely to experience the full benefits of these beneficial bacteria.
This also explains why certain probiotic supplements are packaged in blister packs that help control temperature changes and moisture content. Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic probiotic also stands out with its delivery system. The supplement utilizes “nested capsule technology” along with a patented algae delivery system. It’s important to prioritize meeting your nutritional needs through a well-balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while not all probiotics require refrigeration, it is generally recommended to store seed probiotics in the refrigerator to maintain their efficacy. By following the storage instructions provided on the packaging of your probiotic supplement, you can help ensure that you are getting the most out of these beneficial bacteria for your gut health.
The capsules also come with an enteric coating to protect them from stomach acid. This third factor poses a real conundrum because the fridge is a damper environment than ambient air. If you want to take maximum precautions, you should place your probiotics on the highest shelf in the fridge where it’s drier. If refrigeration is not an option, it’s best to store your probiotics in a cool, dry place at 77ºF (25ºC) or below (such as on the counter or in the pantry with your other supplements). If you found a probiotic supplement in the refrigerator and the packaging tells you explicitly to refrigerate the live bacteria the moment that you get home, you should avoid having it in the sun or leaving it out. For example, some are encapsulated in a way that protects them from heat and moisture, enabling them to be stored at room temperature.