Issues With Expired Probiotics
The main issue with expired probiotics is that its possible that the microorganisms are no longer living. So, taking that product becomes useless.
However, considering that these microorganisms are so small that a capsule can contain millions or billions of them, its really impossible to tell whether theyre still alive or not. So, it might be best to simply trust the manufacturer and discard these expired products.
Another issue is that its entirely possible for a product to expire well before the manufacturing date.
But since you also dont have any way of telling if thats the case, the best thing to do are:
High Temperatures During Shipping
Temperature exposure to packages sent by common carriers like UPS, FedEx, and the US Post Office will vary greatly depending on the time of year and geography. For example, a probiotic shipped by UPS in January from Detroit to Chicago is unlikely to be exposed to excessive heat in transit. However, a probiotic shipped during the summer or to southern parts of the country will be much more at risk.
One study analyzed the variable temperature exposure of certain medical packages shipped from Montana to six warm climate U.S. Cities using variable shipping carriers and methods . Three major U.S. carriers transported 72 individual shipments throughout August and September. The products were shipped without any form of insulation or cooling source.
When To See A Doctor
You may be considering a probiotic supplement if youre experiencing gut issues. But its a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional first, because your symptoms could be related to a condition that requires a specific treatment or medication.
Additionally, taking a probiotic can do more harm than good in some individuals, so its important to discuss options with a trusted expert before trying anything new (
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More Colony Forming Units
Some believe the answer is loading probiotic products with even larger numbers of probiotic bacteria and simply anticipating that the majority will not survive. Unfortunately, this raises the important concern of knowing the exact dose ingested. How will this practice of adding more affect those who have a need for very specific levels and can have problems if they take too much or too little? Will these mega dose probiotics carry the potential of harm for certain segments of users?
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How To Take Your Probiotic
When deciding how many capsules to take as part of your daily serving, it is helpful to check the label and read the instructions in the Suggested Use section. This lets you know what the proper serving size is for the probiotic you purchased. Many times, the serving size is not just one pill, but two. And some suggest taking them more than once a day.
Should you take probiotics on an empty stomach, or with food? Here is what we know. In general, probiotics should be taken with food. They should be taken with food because there are very few strains of bacteria the can withstand the harsh acidity of an empty stomach. Food dilutes stomach acid to levels that bacteria can withstand. We also know that fewer bacteria have been shown to survive in fasted than in fed subjects.2
The illustration on the left shows pH variations in the stomach after eating. You can see that the stomachs pH level is higher after eating, which means that the bacterial strains are better able to survive.
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The Manufacturing And Shipping Process
In order to maximize the health benefits we get from probiotics, the manufacturing and shipping process has to follow temperature guidelines as well. This includes everything from the growing process to the assembly line to packaging to distribution.
Realistically, there may be times when the cooling chain is broken. Some manufacturers account for this loss by adding extra bacteria to ensure the product still has the amount of probiotics listed on the label. Although, this is hard to guarantee and not backed by science.
When looking to purchase probiotics, look at the expiration date. Avoid buying those that have been sitting on the refrigerator or shelf for long periods of time.
In most cases, youre better off purchasing a product that does not require refrigeration and comes in a moisture- and heat-resistant package. That way you can bypass worries about the manufacturing process, the cooling chain, and remembering to refrigerate after purchasing.
What Medical Conditions Are Negatively Affected By Probiotics
Since probiotics are technically bacteria, there is evidence that severely immune-compromised individuals can have contraindications from Lactobacillius strains.
Regarding soil based probiotics, my research has shown there are not appropriate for long term use. Short term use is fine for many people. However, individuals sensitive to yeasts should proceed cautiously with these types of strains.
Always consult with you doctor, but it seems probiotics are safe for diabetics. There is also evidence that probiotics help regulate glucose metabolism. This strain and this strain have been researched to improve glucose metabolism. I am not a medical doctor – please check with your doctor.
Bifidobacterium are not known to have any contraindications.
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How To Store Probiotics For Maximum Potency
- Always keep probiotics away from heat and moisture .
- Check the manufacturers label for the storage instructions, and make sure to refrigerate all products that need to be kept in the fridge.
- Keep the probiotics in their original packaging and keep them sealed or closed until you need to take them.
- If possible, avoid transferring your probiotic pills or capsules into weekly pill organizers. While that can help you remember when you need to take them, doing so might easily compromise their potency or effectiveness.
- Its a good idea to choose a shelf-stable probiotic supplement so you wont have to worry about keeping them refrigerated. That can be especially useful when you need to travel and cant have access to the fridge for several hours or days.
- Even if it isnt written on the label, its best to store probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains in the fridge for maximum shelf life.
- Saccharomyces boulardii probiotics or soil-based probiotics might not need refrigeration but you can extend their shelf life with refrigeration.
Does Terraflora Broad Spectrum Synbiotic Need To Be Refrigerated
Short answer: No. The probiotic bio-complex in Terraflora is made up of a sophisticated blend of select Bacillus strains. Selected for their unique characteristics, Bacillus can exist in two forms. Under favorable conditions the bacteria grow in a vegetative form, but when starved of nutrients, they differentiate into a dormant life form known as an endospore or simply a spore. These spores come alive when introduced to an ideal environment, like the human gut. Terraflora is a balanced formulation of a new generation of probiotics they are inherently resilient, heat-stable, and require no refrigeration.
References
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Expired Probiotics: Are They Still Safe To Use
While some studies show that several expired products continue to have active probiotics even years after the expiry date, their safety and potency are no longer guaranteed.
You cant also sue the manufacturer if the product is ineffective or made you sick past the expiry date on the label.
For your safety, dont try to take expired probiotics, whether or not they were stored properly.
How To Maximize The Shelf Life Of Probiotics
You can take several simple steps to maximize the shelf life of your probiotic.
For starters, be sure to read the label carefully and practice proper storage by following the directions provided.
If your probiotics come in a blister pack, keep them in the pack until youre ready to take them instead of transferring them to a bottle or weekly pill case.
Unlike pill bottles that are frequently opened and closed, blister packs protect individual capsules from exposure to heat and humidity, which can ultimately extend their shelf life.
Finally, its important to use probiotics prior to the expiration date to ensure maximum potency and effectiveness. While the expiration date varies between products, most shelf-stable probiotics should be used within 12 years.
summary
Practicing proper storage techniques, keeping capsules in a blister pack, and using probiotics before the expiration date can help maximize their shelf life.
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Reaping Benefits Of Shelf
You cant go wrong when adding self-stable probiotics to dietary supplements. Consumer demand is high! Projected global probiotics sales for 2020 are $96 billion, and growth between years 2016 and 2021 is expected to be 38 percent, according to the International Probiotics Association.
With the numerous health benefits of taking probiotics supplements from fewer bouts with diarrhea and infections to better digestion and increased immunity U.S. and global growth of probiotics continues. Creating shelf-stable probiotics supplements vs. those requiring refrigeration means convenience for consumers and manufacturers, which can drastically boost revenue for probiotics manufacturers.*
- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Do You Need To Refrigerate Probiotics
No, not all probiotic supplements need to be kept in the fridge. The best way to determine whether they need to be kept in the fridge or not would be to simply check the label on your supplement carefully. Another good way to determine if your probiotic needs to be kept in a fridge would be to look at how it was stored when purchased. If it was refrigerated at point of purchased or delivered in packaging with a cool pack, then it will be more than likely that the product will need to be kept in a refrigerator. Some probiotic supplements can be kept at room temperature safely. These probiotics will be labelled as shelf stable on their packaging or labels which you will be able to see upon purchasing the product.
It is worth remembering that probiotics are bacteria and they have to be stored correctly in order to work. If the supplement is kept out of the correct temperature range, then the product will degrade much faster and ultimately, wont work. If you buy a probiotic supplement that was not temperature controlled, they will not function in the way they should.
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Many Probiotic Supplements Must Be Refrigerated
Many factors affect probiotics survival and efficacy, including:
- Life stage of probiotics
- Other ingredients in the product
The first place to look to see if your probiotic supplement needs refrigeration is the label. Manufacturers will call out if you need to keep the product cold.
Another sign of how to store your probiotic supplement is how it was stored when you purchased it. If it was stored in the refrigerated section or shipped with an ice pack, it likely needs to stay refrigerated.
Other probiotic supplements that are using shelf-stable technology and strains, like Omni-Biotic probiotics, will highlight the benefits of taking a probiotic that doesnt need refrigeration.
For some probiotic products, its essential to refrigerate because of the other ingredients included in the product. Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut have dairy and other ingredients that spoil faster than the probiotics life. These products have a shorter life outside the refrigerator because of the temperature-sensitive ingredients.
While all probiotic supplements expire at some point, the less closely you follow storage instructions, the more quickly this will happen. Plus, pretty much all probiotic supplements have longer shelf-lives if theyre not exposed to high temperatures and extreme conditions.
Probiotic Storage: Do All Probiotics Need To Be Refrigerated
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Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in your gut and as supplements. Theyre known for fighting inflammation and supporting your overall digestive health. Since theyre living microorganisms, properly storing your probiotic supplement maximizes their shelf life and provides you with the most health benefits.
Despite what many believe, not all probiotics need to be refrigerated. Both the probiotic strain and the manufacturing process determine how you should store your probiotics. This article explains probiotic storage and key tips to know when you should refrigerate your probiotic supplements.
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Common Side Effects When Starting Probiotics
In general, probiotics do not cause any significant side effects, have been clinically studied for decades and are generally regarded as safe. At the same time, probiotics can affect everyone differently. Its common to experience some mild stomach upset, gas, or bloating when you first start taking probiotics. Some experts believe these fleeting symptoms are a result of the bad bacteria dying off in the new healthier environment. If your symptoms are bothersome, try avoiding inflammatory foods and load up on anti-inflammatory antioxidants instead.
If symptoms continue, its possible that you are taking bacterial strains that may not be compatible with your system. You may want to try a different combination of probiotics that are in line with your health goals. While this process would take a little time and trial and error to find a match, it will be worth it for supporting your microbiome and overall well-being.
Remember, take care of your probiotics and they will take care of you!
How Should Probiotics Be Shipped
While there are dozens of probiotics products available in health stores and online, only a handful of products are actively being utilized in clinics. The safest way to ensure that these products have not been compromised in the storage or transportation process is to choose a product which is stored and shipped under controlled, refrigerated conditions. When one considers the potential impact of temperature spikes during shipping, the shipping issue should be of particular concern for those suffering from serious gastrointestinal disorders.
ExeGi Pharma is the maker of the Visbiome high potency probiotic, which is an 8-strain probiotic blend available in doses of 112.5, 450, and 900 billion live bacteria per dose. This product must be stored under refrigerated condition. ExeGi ships Visbiome via 2-Day Air express service using 100% curbside recyclable coolers with two frozen gel cold packs. The purpose of including insulation, cooling components, and express delivery with orders is to ensure that the product is not exposed to elevated temperature spikes of more than 86°F.
Key Takeaways
For a printable version of this article, .
Schallenerger, et al. The effect of temperature exposure during shipment on a commercially available demineralized bone matrix putty. Cell Tissue Bank 17:677-687
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When Should They Be Kept Out At Room Temperature
There are a number of new technologies that do not require probiotic strains to be stored in the refrigerator. Modern sophisticated freeze drying technologies like lyophilisation make sure that your probiotics are kept stable at room temperature. These probiotics are packed in special blister packs to prevent moisture.
When it comes to probiotics refrigeration freeze dried probiotics are more stable and can withstand wide fluctuations in the temperature they are stored in. The bacteria are not dead, but kept in an inactive state. They begin functioning as normal as soon as they come in contact with your stomach.
Some supplements have bacteria in the lag phase. This means that the bacteria mature and grow in size, but, are unable to replicate.
They have not yet come to the point where they begin to divide and multiply. Bacteria adapt to their environment during the lag phase and have a better chance of surviving the corrosive stomach environment. They also do not require refrigeration because the bacteria are essentially not metabolizing.
Shelf stable products are more convenient than the ones in the fridge, especially when you are traveling. You can keep them at your bedside table and even at your desk, to make sure you never a miss a dose and these doses are healthy.
Most manufacturers recommend keeping supplements in the refrigerator once opened to prevent moisture from getting to the bacteria.
Do Probiotics Need To Be Refrigerated
The use of probiotics in clinical settings is becoming increasingly common for a variety of medical conditions. If you use probiotics yourself, you may notice that most reputable probiotics are refrigerated. But do probiotics need to be refrigerated? The short answer is yes probiotics need to be refrigerated, not only on the shelves of the stores but during the whole shipping process. Let’s see why.
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May Improve Symptoms Of Certain Gastrointestinal Diseases
Some of the most well-studied uses of probiotic supplements relate to the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases like IBS and IBD.
In one review of 11 studies, 7 of the studies reported significant improvements in symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain in people with IBS who took probiotic supplements, compared with a placebo. The remaining four studies didnt find significant improvements.
The review also found that multi-strain probiotics used for at least 8 weeks were the most effective for improving IBS symptoms (
If youre interested in taking a probiotic supplement, its important to first determine whether a probiotic supplement is necessary for your specific health needs.
If youre instructed to take a probiotic, please consider the following:
- Probiotic strains: Probiotics are not one-size-fits-all remedies, and certain probiotic strains are much more effective for certain medical conditions and symptoms than others. Look for supplements with specific strains based on your needs.
- Intended use: The effectiveness of probiotic supplements is not only strain-specific but also disease-specific, meaning the correct strain and dose must be appropriate for the condition or symptom intended to be treated (
41 ).
While some people, including those with IBS and certain types of IBD, may benefit from specific strains of probiotics, in general, most healthy people who follow a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle do not need to take probiotic supplements.
