Heatwave: how to properly store your food supplements?

With the arrival of high temperatures, a question often comes up among athletes: can food supplements withstand heatwaves? Should you put your whey in the refrigerator? Can omega-3s get damaged during transport? Can a car parked in direct sunlight alter a supplement?

The answer primarily depends on the type of product. Not all molecules have the same stability when exposed to heat, light, or humidity.

While most powdered supplements hold up very well to summer temperatures, some oils, vitamins, or probiotics require more precautions.

Here's everything you need to know to effectively store your food supplements during the summer.

Does heat degrade food supplements?

Not necessarily.

Occasional exposure to high temperatures does not automatically mean that a food supplement has become unfit for consumption.

The stability of a product depends on several factors:

• its composition;
• its form (powder, capsule, oil, liquid...);
• the duration of heat exposure;
• the presence of humidity or oxygen;
• storage conditions.

In general, Nutrimuscle recommends storing its products at room temperature, ideally between 15 and 25 °C, in a dry place and away from light.

A higher temperature for a few hours or days does not systematically lead to a loss of quality, especially for powdered supplements.

Powdered proteins are very resistant to high temperatures

This is probably the most frequent question during summer.

Good news: powdered proteins are particularly stable molecules when stored in dry form.

If the container has remained perfectly sealed, temporary exposure to temperatures encountered during a heatwave generally does not cause any significant alteration in their nutritional quality.

Protein denaturation phenomena mainly occur at much higher temperatures (often above 60-80 °C), especially when proteins are in solution.

Whether it's whey, casein, egg protein, or plant proteins, amino acids generally remain stable during a period of high heat.

From a microbiological point of view, powdered proteins also show excellent stability. Their very low water content greatly limits the development of microorganisms as long as the packaging remains airtight.

The real enemy: humidity

Contrary to popular belief, it is not heat that poses the main risk for powdered protein.

The real enemy is humidity.

If water gets into the container, several phenomena can occur:

• formation of compact clumps;
• agglomeration of the powder;
• gradual degradation of quality;
• in extreme situations, microbiological development.

Therefore, it is recommended to always use a clean and perfectly dry scoop, to close the lid tightly after each use, and to avoid leaving the container open unnecessarily.

Should you store your proteins in the refrigerator?

No.

Contrary to what one might think, placing powdered protein in the refrigerator is generally not a good idea.

The back-and-forth between the cold of the refrigerator and room temperature promotes condensation inside the container.

This humidity is much more problematic than the heat itself.

The best choice is therefore to store the protein:

• in a dry cupboard;
• away from direct light;
• away from a heat source;
• with a perfectly sealed container.

Which supplements are most sensitive to heat?

Not all supplements have the same stability.

Certain molecules are naturally more fragile when exposed continuously to heat, light, or oxygen.

This is particularly the case for:

• vitamin C, particularly sensitive to heat, oxygen, and light;
• certain B vitamins, such as vitamin B1 (thiamine) or vitamin B9 (folates), which can degrade more quickly if stored poorly;
• vitamin A, sensitive to oxidation and light;
• vitamin E, which can also degrade during prolonged exposure to air and heat;
• probiotics, some strains of which require refrigeration depending on their formulation;
• liquid supplements, often more sensitive than dry powders.

Conversely, powdered proteins, creatine, BCAAs, EAAs, powdered collagen, and most minerals are particularly stable when stored correctly.

Omega-3s: special vigilance required

Omega-3s are among the supplements most sensitive to heat.

Their polyunsaturated fatty acids naturally oxidize when exposed to:

• heat;
• oxygen;
• light.

Storage in a cool place helps limit this oxidation.

After delivery during periods of high heat, take a few seconds to check:

• the integrity of the bottle;
• the absence of leaks;
• the smell of the product.

A strongly rancid or unusual smell indicates oxidation, and the product should no longer be consumed.

Beware of transport and cars in summer

A food supplement can be exposed to high temperatures during transport or if left in a car.

In a vehicle parked in direct sunlight, the interior temperature can easily exceed 50 °C.

For powdered protein, occasional exposure in a sealed container generally has no consequences.

However, it is best to avoid leaving for several hours:

• omega-3s;
• sensitive vitamins;
• probiotics;
• liquid supplements.

As soon as possible, put your products back in a cool place after transport.

How to recognize an altered supplement?

Before any use, a few checks can ensure that the product is still compliant.

Pay attention to:

• an unusual smell;
• a rancid smell;
• a significant change in color;
• the presence of condensation;
• very compact clumps in a powder;
• a punctured, swollen, or damaged package.

In case of doubt, it is best not to consume the product.

Good storage practices

A few simple steps can help preserve the quality of your food supplements throughout the summer:

• store products between 15 and 25 °C when possible;
• avoid direct sun exposure;
• store containers in a cool, dry place;
• carefully close each package after use;
• use a perfectly dry scoop;
• follow specific recommendations indicated by the manufacturer.

In the vast majority of cases, these few precautions are sufficient to preserve the quality of food supplements, even during a heatwave.

Key takeaways

High temperatures do not pose the same risk for all food supplements. Powdered proteins, creatine, or amino acids are particularly stable when stored in an airtight package and away from humidity.

However, omega-3s, certain vitamins, probiotics, or liquid supplements are more sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. They therefore require special attention, especially during transport or during a heatwave.

By adopting a few simple actions (storing products in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight, closing containers tightly, and checking their appearance before use), you will preserve their quality throughout the summer.