To keep your supplements fresh and effective, storing some in the fridge is important. Just like how cheesecake tastes best when chilled, certain Supplements maintain their quality better in cooler temperatures.
Here are five supplements that stay fresher in the fridge. Read on to find out more.
Reasons to Refrigerate Certain Supplements
The most important thing is to follow the storage directions on the supplement label. This ensures that the supplements stay effective and potent. According to Jamie Adams, M.S., RD, who runs Mamaste Nutrition, factors like heat, humidity, and oxygen can affect how well certain supplements work.
While many supplements can be kept at room temperature, some contain live microorganisms or sensitive ingredients that require refrigeration. However, not all supplements need to be chilled.
Sometimes, refrigerating a supplement can add too much moisture, which might make the product less effective. That’s why it’s crucial to read the label carefully and store it accordingly.
Five Supplements Best Kept in the Refrigerator
1. Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can go bad when exposed to heat, light, or air. This can make the oil smell and taste unpleasant and reduce its nutritional value.
Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, owner of The Hormone Dietitian, explains that keeping fish oil at cooler temperatures helps preserve its freshness and potency, and prevents microbial growth.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are tiny living organisms that help keep our gut healthy. They don’t like big temperature changes. Carrie Gabriel, a dietitian, explains, “Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are very sensitive to heat and need to be kept cold to stay alive.”
If these bacteria get too warm, they can die. That means the probiotic might not work as well or at all.
Keeping probiotics in the fridge keeps these helpful bacteria alive and working well. This helps our digestion, strengthens our immune system, and keeps our gut balanced. However, not all probiotics need refrigeration.
Some types are made to be stable at room temperature. Always read the labels to know how to store them properly.
3. Liquid Iron
If your doctor suggests you take liquid iron to treat low iron levels, they might advise keeping it in the refrigerator. Storing these bottles in the fridge helps keep them fresh and strong, according to Adams.
Liquid vitamins, including liquid iron, stay potent longer when chilled. Cold temperatures slow down processes that can break down the iron and make it less effective. Plus, keeping liquid iron cold helps it taste better and prevents any bad smells from forming.
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4. Flaxseed Oil Supplements
Flaxseed oil can spoil fast. It has omega-3 fats that can change when they touch heat, light, or air. Putting it in the fridge slows down this change.
This keeps your supplement fresh for a longer time. When it stays cool, flaxseed oil keeps its flavor better. That way, you won’t have to deal with a bad taste or smell.
5. Vitamin C
Most people have enough Vitamin C, but if you choose to take a supplement, here’s something important: vitamin C is very sensitive and breaks down easily in heat, light, and air.
Keeping these supplements in a cool, dark place might help them stay strong. Refrigeration isn’t always required, but it can help, especially in hot places or if you store them for a long time.
