Should You Keep Supplements In The Refrigerator?

Anytime you open a new jar of food, you likely know to put it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh before reaching for it again later. That's food safety 101. But that same line of thinking doesn't necessarily translate to supplements. 

Supplements have specific storage needs—based on the form (i.e., capsules, powders, liquids, etc.) and ingredients—to maintain their quality and function until the expiration date. And opting to store them in the fridge as a safeguard can actually be detrimental to the quality of some supplements. 

"Yes, supplements with use and storage instructions that clearly state the need for refrigeration should always be stored in the fridge," emphasizes Ferira. Just make sure to read the label carefully. 

Liquid supplements will generally come with instructions to refrigerate after opening, and they have a short shelf life of 30 to 90 days typically (versus the two to three years other supplement forms have).

While some probiotic strains and formulations require refrigeration, others absolutely do not. Some probiotics (like mindbodygreen's probiotic+) are designed to be shelf-stable. And if that's the case, refrigerating them can mess with the quality, stability, and active ingredients in the supplement. 

And remember, probiotics deliver live microorganisms to help colonize the gut, so storing the supplement incorrectly can (inadvertently) create an environment that those organisms can't survive in.    

Most supplements should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. 

Cool refers to an indoor temperature ranging from 50℉ to the mid-70s. Oftentimes a bedside table or a pantry meets these criteria. But each home is different. 

Properly storing your supplements is essential to making sure they remain in their most active form so that they can have the desired effect in your body. Unless the specific supplement you bought calls it out, the fridge isn't a good place to keep your supplements.