HEAT SENSITIVE PRODUCTS

ABOUT HEAT SENSITIVE PRODUCTS AND PRODUCT STORAGE

Many patients and ask us about the proper storage and shipment of heat sensitive products. We have added some FAQ questions to provide some answers here. If you have additional questions, please call us at 949-600-5100 or e-mail orders@iprogressivemed.com.

IMPORTANT: Track your package online via USPS or UPS, so you can collect it shortly after it is delivered. This prevents package theft and keeps items sitting in a warm location to a minimum.

Q: What are some examples of heat sensitive products?

A: Some Probiotics, essential oils, ozone products, glutathione, and other products may be heat sensitive. These products should be stored in a cool, dry place, or in the refrigerator as labeled by the manufacturer.

Q: My package arrived warm, is the product okay?

A: Yes, the product is totally fine. Most heat sensitive products may be shipped without cold packs over short duration. As long as they are stored cold long-term, they will be fine. Cold products MAY be shipped with an ice pack to keep them closer to room temperature during transit time. If there is a cold pack it will almost always arrive thawed and warm. The majority of our shipments are NOT shipped on an ice pack. If you have any questions, please call us before you order.

Q: My heat sensitive product is warm, is it okay?

A: Yes, heat sensitive products can be exposed to higher heat for shorter periods of time and still maintain potency. These products are NOT designed or packaged to be stored at high heat for long periods of time (weeks or months). Cold packs may be included with these products to help keep them cooler for longer during shipment.

Q: Should I store all of my products in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them cold?

A: Not necessarily. The enemies of potency and shelf-life for nutritional supplements are usually oxygen, heat and moisture. Storing a large bottle in the fridge that you will open many times before it is empty will increase the moisture content inside the bottle each time it is opened due to condensation. If the product is not labeled for refrigeration it is better to keep it in a dark, cool and dry place such as a cabinet or pantry. Leave any moisture absorbing packets inside the bottle to maintain dryness inside.

Q: I cannot get my powdered supplement to dissolve, what should I do?

A: Powdered supplements that do not dissolve well in cold water will usually readily dissolve in a warm liquid, or may be incorporated into a blended nutritional shake without any problems. We recommend dissolving powders in a warm liquid. Examples of powdered formulas that often dissolve better in warm liquids are amino acids, minerals, vitamin c, and collagen powders.

Q: One of my products that I have been using for some time now has passed the expiration date printed on the bottle. Can I still use this product safely?

A: Most likely, yes. Almost all of the products sold at IPM are pharmaceutical grade, and many of them are guaranteed for the potency marked in the supplement facts box all the way up to the expiration date. In fact many manufacturers of high quality supplements will include 105% or more of the label claim for each ingredient to ensure it will be potent by the expiration date on the bottle. For this reason, if a bottle has been stored properly without moisture, light and oxygen, the product should be good for months after the date on the bottle. This is especially true if it is still sealed.

Q: My product has an “manufactured on” date instead of an expiration date. How long is this product good for?

A: As a rule of thumb, most products with a manufactured on date instead of an expiration date are good for at least 24 months (2 years) from the date marked on the bottle. Some products may be good for longer than 2 years. If you are uncertain, you should check directly with the manufacturer for their recommendation.