packing dietary supplement that requires < 41F

[thinkingbouteurope]

just realized that I take a daily dietary supplement that needs refrigeration (33 - 41F). Do airlines accomodate in this situation if prearranged? I'm assuming that once I'm travelling in Europe I'd be on my own. In the past, I've used a (estimated 6" x 9" x 2") heavily insulated pack with with blue ice for lunchtime. This seems rather hefty for a bottle that's about 3"H x 1.5"D ... Does anyone know of a "micro" solution to this challenge. Thanks.

[Eagle]

thinkingabouteurope, this is not a situation I've ever had to deal with. You might contact the airlines to determine whether they're able to provide regrigeration for your supplement during the flight? Once you're travelling in Europe, you'll probably have to do without it.

I don't suppose the supplement is also available in pill form?

Cheers!!!

[mango]

Well that sounds like a challenge! Could you keep it in a vacuum flask?

I don't know how you'll do it but I think you should get a prescription or a letter from your doctor or you'll have a hard time getting it onto a plane.

[thinkingbouteurope]

Thank you eagle and mango ... I just wanted to clarify that this supplement is a capsule, about the same size a daily multi-vitamin or vitamin C is, which I also would bring, all in their original containers. The only difference is that the supp needs refrigeration. From what mango says can I expect difficulties with the vitamins also; or did I give the impression the supp was a liquid.

I've thought about buying the supp when I arrive in Europe ... Cologne has 5 health food stores ... would give me something to focus on while in jetlag state

I've need to find a way to keep it cold from the time I leave in the morning until I return later in the day. (I only take it in the morning). People travel with prescription medication needing refrigeration so there's got to be a way.

I find that I become sluggish even missing a day so I really want to figure out a way to travel with it. I added this to my diet on my own research so there's no doctor to give me a prescription or letter ... it's over the counter from a major manufacturer.

any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated

[WillTravel]

thinkingabouteurope, I'd look up to see what diabetics who require refrigerated insulin do. I know in many cases they have to get rooms with fridges, because even minibars are not cold enough. You could be very careful about getting hostels with fridges you could use (prebooked would be your best bet), but even so I'm not sure the temperature can be expected to be 41F (might be a bit hotter or colder).

[thinkingbouteurope]

I found (more expensive) shelf/room temperature-stable alternatives that range from 33% to 75% potency of refrigerated capsules. I can switch to these at home a month before my trip and possibly test tripling the 33% to check the benefits.

Sure beats using 24-48 Thermos reusable ices cubes and a .5L Outdoor Research bottle caddy I was considering

Thanks for the the replies and information.