Methods for increasing the stability of, or protecting, labile components, such as ethanolamine, growth factors, vitamins, etc., in compositions such as a cell culture medium, are described. Stability of the labile compound is increased either, by derivatization or by sequestering the labile compound. Sequestering can be done either by encapsulation within a microcapsule or by the use of sequestering agents. Encapsulation can provide controlled release of the susceptible compound being protected. These methods may improve or extend the storage conditions, the shipping and handling of media compositions comprising the labile compounds at room temperature rather than at lower temperatures, thereby decreasing shipping costs.