Do Garden Of Life Probiotics Need To Be Refrigerated

Garden of Life Probiotics

Thanks for your interest in Garden of Life probiotic formulas! Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can aid digestive health, immune support, and help regulate countless functions in your body. The beneficial bacteria that we are born with and accumulate throughout our lives can be depleted by taking antibiotics, medications, substance abuse, and improper diet. Taking a probiotic supplement helps replenish and restore healthy flora levels in your body.

Garden of Life makes three lines of probiotic formulas: Primal Defense , RAW Probiotics , and Dr. Formulated Probiotics .

Primal Defense

An extremely hardy probiotic formula, Primal Defense contains Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSOs). These organisms are beneficial bacteria naturally found in soil. Because modern over-farming practices deplete the soil of nutrients including HSOs, Primal Defense is meant to provide the bacteria we are missing in our food. Because this probiotic is so hardy and potent, we recommend it for those with serious issues like Crohn�s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. It also makes a great competitor for serious or stubborn yeast infections.

Primal Defense also comes in an ULTRA formula, which contains one extra probiotic strain, Saccharomyces Boulardii .

If you have never used Primal Defense before, we strongly recommend starting off with one tablet and working up to the full recommended dose. This can help prevent a die-off effect , which can be either flu-like symptoms or upset stomach as your body acclimates to the new bacteria.

RAW Probiotics

RAW Probiotics are derived from a Bulgarian yogurt strain, making them dairy-based. Dairy-based probiotics can be more sensitive to harsh stomach acid and require a much higher CFU count than Primal Defense ( Colony Forming Units � the quantity of bacteria in your supplement ).

This line of probiotics includes formulas for Men & Women, Men & Women aged 50+, Kids aged 3 months +, Colon Care, Vaginal Care, and two high-potency formulas.

Dr. Formulated Probiotics

Developed for Garden of Life by Dr. David Perlmutter, this line of probiotics is derived from fermented vegetable matter, and is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Soy Free. The convenient Once Daily formulas for Men & Women are two of our best-selling probiotic supplements.

Dr. Formulated Probiotics also come in condition-specific formulas including Prenatal, Prostate, Urinary Tract, and Mood (brain health) support. Kid�s formulas come in three flavors of Certified Organic chewable tablets.

Refrigerated vs. Shelf Stable

Some of Garden of Life�s probiotics are refrigerated, while some are available in shelf-stable packaging. There is no difference in the capsules or formula, just the packaging. All Primal Defense formulas are shelf-stable. Garden of Life recommends that the refrigerated formulas be stored at or below 71 degrees Fahrenheit in a dry place to ward off humidity and moisture. Garden of Life�s shelf-stable bottles have a desiccant lining instead of a packet inside the bottle. This prevents moisture from entering the bottle in the first place, protecting the capsules from any contact with moisture or humidity.

If you order a �Heat-Sensitive� probiotic from us, we will ship it with an ice pack wrapped in thermal bubble. This ice pack will be melted when you receive it, but don�t worry. Until you open the vacuum-sealed bottle, it will be safe from humidity. Because refrigerators are naturally dry, that�s a good place to store your probiotics.

Which Probiotic Should I Choose?

Everybody is different, and finding the right probiotic for you can take some trial and error. If you have a serious digestive issue that you�re trying to correct, we recommend Primal Defense, Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care or 5-Day Max Care, or Dr. Formulated Once Daily Ultra. If you�re looking for a general, every-day probiotic, we recommend Dr. Formulated Once Daily formulas or Raw Probiotics sex and age-specific formulas. You may also want to try a condition-specific formula like Prenatal, Vaginal Care, Colon Care, Prostate +, Urinary Tract +, or Mood +.

If a probiotic is too potent for you, or if you�re taking too much too quickly, you can experience a die-off effect. This can cause flu-like symptoms or digestive issues. This is very common for individuals with sensitive stomachs, and especially those who have an unhealthy gut flora. Introducing new bacteria to your system can be a bit of a shock, and should be done gradually. Try reducing the dose that you are taking, and take food along with your probiotic. If you are not seeing improvement with one probiotic, your body may respond better to a different type of bacteria. For example, try switching from dairy-based to vegetable-based.