Storage Temperature Effects

Probiotics are live microorganisms. When freeze-dried (lyophilized) into powder, their metabolism is dramatically slowed, but not stopped entirely.

The Arrhenius Equation in Practice

As temperature increases, metabolic rate increases. A vegetative strain stored at 35°C (95°F) in a hot warehouse will burn through its protective matrix and die exponentially faster than one stored at 4°C (39°F).

If a label claims "Shelf Stable," the manufacturer must input significant overage (e.g., manufacturing 30 Billion CFU to guarantee 10 Billion CFU at expiration in 2 years at 25°C).