Seed Synbiotic Review: A Dietitian’s Take on the Product After Testing

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Probiotic supplements continue to grow in popularity, and have even become a staple in many people’s wellness routines. One of the main reasons for this trend is that research continues to yield promising results about the health benefits of probiotics, including support for digestion and the immune system. Certain probiotic strains may even reduce the frequency or intensity of digestive issues like bloating, bowel urgency and constipation. 

Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic is a supplement that provides a blend of probiotics and prebiotics, both of which are important for the health of your digestive system.

I tested the Seed probiotic and prebiotic supplement for adults (there is also a kids' version), and share my personal experience in this review, in addition to my take—as a registered dietitian—on its ingredients and potential health benefits.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Seed At a Glance

• Contains 24 strains of probiotic bacteria, plus prebiotics derived from Indian pomegranate
• Uses ViaCap® delivery technology (a "capsule-within-a-capsule" design), so the bacteria have a better chance of surviving stomach acid 
• One two-capsule serving delivers 56.3 billion active fluorescent units (AFUs)—an alternate measurement to colony forming units (CFUs) that's on most probiotic nutrition labels
• No refrigeration required
• Only available through a subscription costing $49.99 per month

Pros

• Probiotic blends made with several heavily studied genera, including bifidobacteria and lactobacillus
• Formula combines probiotics with prebiotics, which are fuel for probiotic bacteria
• Capsule designed to protect living bacteria from stomach acid
• Supplement is vegan and tested for presence of common allergens, including gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, shellfish, sesame and corn
• Uses sustainable packaging

Cons

• Subscription only
• Uses proprietary blends that don't disclose the specific amount of each probiotic strain
• Brand shares testing results for purity and potency on its website, but doesn't disclose if the testing was performed in-house or at a third party lab (third-party labs are offer more accountability)

Seed Claims

Seed claims that its DS-01® supplement is formulated to provide benefits for digestive and immune function and whole-body health for adults aged 18 years and older.

According to the Seed website, DS-01® is among the first probiotic supplements designed to deliver benefits beyond digestive health. The 24 probiotic strains and non-fermenting prebiotic used in DS-01® are intended to support the health of the entire body, including the health of the digestive system, heart and skin. It also claims that DS-01® may help increase the synthesis of micronutrients in the digestive system, such as folate.

There are currently two ongoing clinical trials investigating the effects of DS-01®—one focusing on DS-01®’s impact on gut bacteria composition and IBS symptoms in people with IBS, and another exploring the effects of DS-01® on the gut bacteria composition of healthy adults after taking a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics. (We couldn't find the second study online, and requested a link from Seed.) Both studies started recruitment in 2020, and results are not yet available.

Though there are currently no completed clinical studies investigating the effects of DS-01® specifically, the Seed website provides links to 32 studies on the strains used in DS-01®. These studies show that the probiotic strains used in DS-01® may benefit the health of the digestive system, heart, skin and immune system.

Seed DS-01® is a synbiotic, meaning it contains both probiotics and prebiotics. DS-01® contains 24 probiotic strains plus a non-fermenting prebiotic concentrate from Indian pomegranate. Unlike most prebiotics, the punicalagin prebiotics found in DS-01® aren’t fermented by gut bacteria, so they aren’t associated with common probiotic side effects, like gas and bloating, which are often experienced with other prebiotics like inulin. 

Quick Recap on Probiotics

Probiotic supplements are living organisms that "feed" the good bacteria in your gut, protecting your gut microbiome. When formulated in adequate amounts, (i.e. specific strains for your health goals, and an effective CFU count), they can bring a variety of health benefits. 

All probiotic names are broken down into three ways: genus, species and strain. 

• Genus: A genus (plural genera) combines multiple kinds of bacteria that share many different characteristics.
• Species: The species is more specific, and is used to classify organisms that share similar characteristics. 
• Strain: The strain is one type of bacteria that usually has a very specific function and role in the body. 

As an example, one of the main probiotics in the Digestive Health Blend in Seed is bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP. Bifidobacterium is the genus, longum is the species and SD-BB536-JP is the strain. 

Quality of Ingredients

Unlike other probiotic supplements on the market that measure their probiotic counts in colony forming units (CFUs), Seed measures its probiotics in active fluorescent units (AFUs). AFUs measure probiotics by tagging cells with fluorescent markers and counting them with a laser as they pass through a tube. Using AFUs, Seed may be able to calculate more precise measurements of viable and effective probiotics in their formulations. Seed claims that counting AFUs is an effective and reliable way to determine viable cell counts, especially in multi-species, multi-strain formulations like DS-01®. They also claim that counting AFUs is as effective or better than counting CFUs because of its accuracy, precision, specificity and range. Though this method is relatively new, some research suggests that using AFUs provides a more accurate count of viable microorganisms than CFUs.

Seed puts its products through extensive testing to ensure the probiotics in DS-01® can stay alive and effective after you ingest them. The probiotics are tested by exposing them to extreme heat and using a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®), which models the human digestive system to ensure that Seed’s ViaCap™️ technology delivers 100 percent of DS-01®’s live probiotic strains through the end of the small intestine and into the colon.

Seed DS-01® contains 24 probiotic strains plus a non-fermenting prebiotic. Here’s more information about its ingredients.

Digestive Health / Gut Immunity / Gut Barrier Integrity Probiotic Blend: 37.0 Billion AFU

The digestive health blend contains probiotics that support healthy digestion, gut immunity and gut barrier function.

The blend includes the following strains:

• Bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP
• Bifidobacterium breve SD-BR3-IT
• Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LP1-IT
• Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-LR6-IT
• Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HRVD113-US
• Bifidobacterium infantis SD-M63-JP
• Bifidobacterium lactis SD-BS5-IT
• Bifidobacterium lactis HRVD524-US
• Lactobacillus crispatus SD-LCR01-IT
• Lacticaseibacillus casei HRVD300-US
• Bifidobacterium breve HRVD521-US
• Bifidobacterium longum HRVD90b-US
• Bifidobacterium lactis SD150-BE
• Limosilactobacillus fermentum SD-LF8-IT
• Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-GG-BE
• Limosilactobacillus reuteri RD830-FR

As you see here, the digestive blend is made up of 16 different strains, but only four six different genus. Seed selected these strains based on their effectiveness in improving the health of the gastrointestinal system, including improving bowel regularity and ease, reducing bloating and supporting the health of the gut barrier.

The strains used in the digestive blend have been shown to be effective for supporting general digestive health as well as improving symptoms related to digestive disorders such as constipation, IBS and IBD.

Dermatological Health Probiotic Blend: 3.3 Billion AFU

The dermatological health blend contains the following probiotic strains:

• Bifidobacterium lactis SD-CECT8145-SP
• Bifidobacterium longum SD-CECT7347-SP
• Lacticaseibacillus casei SD-CECT9104-SP
• Ligilactobacillus salivarius SD-LS1-IT
• Bifidobacterium breve SD-BR3-IT

Study findings suggest that the strains used in the dermatological blend may help support the overall health of the skin and may be helpful for those with inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema. Studies have found that supplementing with strains used in this blend, including Bifidobacterium longum SD-CECT7347-SP and Bifidobacterium lactis SD-CECT8145-SP, may help reduce symptoms and the need for topical medication use in people with eczema.

Cardiovascular Health Probiotic Blend: 5.25 Billion AFU

The cardiovascular blend contains the following probiotic strains:

• Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LPLDL-UK
• Bifidobacterium lactis SD-MB2409-IT

The strains used in this blend may help support heart health by reducing heart disease risk factors such as high blood lipid levels. Research suggests that supplementing with these strains may help reduce high triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels as well as boost levels of heart-protective HDL cholesterol.

Micronutrient Synthesis Probiotic Blend: 8.05 Billion AFU

The micronutrient synthesis blend contains the following probiotic strains:

• Bifidobacterium adolescentis SD-BA5-IT
• Limosilactobacillus reuteri SD-LRE2-IT

This blend is designed to support folate production through intestinal synthesis and may also support the synthesis of Vitamin B12​. Intestinal bacteria, such as bifidobacteria, can synthesize several B vitamins, including folate and B12. In fact, studies suggest that at least 18% of folate requirements can be achieved through bacterial folate biosynthesis. Therefore, supplementing with strains known to support the synthesis of B vitamins, such as some of the strains found in DS-01®, may help promote optimal micronutrient status.

Microbiota-Accessible Polyphenolic Precursors™ [MAPP]: 400mg

In addition to 24 strains of probiotics, Seed Seed DS-01® provides a non-fermenting prebiotic:

• Indian Pomegranate [whole fruit] (Punica granatum) (>40% Polyphenolic + Phenolic Bioactives)

Pomegranate polyphenols have prebiotic activity, meaning they may enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Additionally, studies show that pomegranate polyphenols may also offer antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, which could further benefit the health of the gut.

Seed claims that this prebiotic doesn't cause side effects like bloating and gas, and is safe for people who are sensitive to fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPS).

Seed Cost

Seed DS-01® costs $49.99 and is billed monthly through a subscription. Even though Seed isn’t cheap, I think it’s priced reasonably for the quality. Many other probiotic products on the market are much more expensive than Seed, yet not as comprehensive or as rigorously tested. Overall, I think that Seed is appropriately priced.

To purchase Seed DS-01®, you must sign up for a subscription, though the subscription can be canceled or rescheduled at any time. Customers can try DS-01® risk-free for 30 days, returning the product if they feel it’s ineffective or not the right choice for their health needs.

Seed believes that a subscription helps ensure that you’ll take their product on a continuous, daily basis to help you reap the complete benefits of DS-01®.

The first month’s shipment is a Welcome Kit that includes a reusable glass jar holding the first month’s supply of DS-01®, a glass travel vial that holds a week’s worth of DS-01®, as well as printed directions and product information.

Seed offers free shipping within the U.S. and a $10 flat rate for international shipments.

Who Should Use Seed

Seed’s website claims that DS-01® is appropriate for all adults aged 18 and over.

Studies suggest that many populations, including people with gastrointestinal conditions like IBD, constipation, and IBS, may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement. What’s more, research suggests that supplementing with probiotics could benefit other health conditions, such as depression, chronic urinary tract infections, inflammatory skin conditions and even obesity.

However, it’s hard to say if Seed DS-01® would benefit healthy people who follow a varied, fiber-rich diet. Also, although Seed uses strains supported by research, there’s currently no evidence that DS-01® is effective for treating or improving any health condition or aspect of health, specifically. Hopefully, the results of Seed’s ongoing clinical trials investigating the effects of DS-01® will provide more information on DS-01® effectiveness and impact on health.

As a dietitian, I prefer to focus on diet and lifestyle modification to improve gut health before recommending any supplements. That said, a well-rounded probiotic supplement, like Seed DS-01®, may be a good choice for those with certain digestive conditions, such as IBS. Probiotics should primarily be prescribed after underlying conditions that impact the gut, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), have been ruled out. In some cases, probiotics are inappropriate and may actually worsen symptoms like gas and bloating in people with conditions like bacterial overgrowth, so it’s important to understand that probiotics are not a cure-all for all digestive diseases and symptoms.

Who Should NOT Use Seed

Contrary to popular belief, most healthy people do not need to supplement with probiotics. It’s important to point out that although probiotics are widely used and recommended by healthcare providers, the long-term safety of probiotic supplements is still being investigated. Though probiotics are generally considered safe when used appropriately, some researchers are concerned that the overuse of probiotics could lead to issues like antibiotic resistance and warn that there’s not enough solid evidence that probiotics are safe or appropriate for everyone.

In vulnerable populations, such as people with weakened immune systems, probiotic supplements may cause an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestinal tract and increase infection risk. If you have a condition that impacts your immune system, or if you’re undergoing treatment for cancer or any other serious health condition, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking probiotics like DS-01® to make sure it’s a safe and appropriate choice for your specific health needs.

Also, although Seed sells a probiotic for children and teens aged three to 17, it’s generally advised to avoid giving probiotics to infants and children. Babies and young children are much more vulnerable to the risks and side effects related to probiotic use and should only be given a probiotic if recommended and monitored by a licensed healthcare provider.

What Customers Are Saying About Seed

Unlike many online retailers, the Seed website does not share customer reviews.

However, most online reviews on other websites are positive, and healthcare providers, such as doctors and registered dietitians, have completed extensive reviews of Seed DS-01®, most of which are positive.

Online reviewers mention that taking DS-01® improved their digestive health, including regularity and ease of bowel movements. However, other customers note that they didn’t notice any changes to their health, even after taking Seed DS-01® for a year or longer.

Some people have reported that taking Seed DS-01® led to symptoms like gas and bloating, which typically subsided after a few weeks. However, Seed mentions on its website that these side effects are to be expected as the body becomes used to DS-01®.

A few reviews on TrustPilot mention that they had negative experiences with customer service, shipping and canceling their subscription, but there are many more positive reviews than negative. Overall, Seed seems to be a trustworthy company and most customers report being satisfied after purchasing DS-01®.

My Experience Taking Seed

I was excited to try Seed DS-01®, as I had heard wonderful reviews from colleagues. Also, I love that Seed actively works to protect and improve the environment by investing in important research, offsetting its carbon emissions and using environmentally-friendly packaging.

In my opinion, the capsules are easy-to-take and didn’t cause any side effects for me. Though I didn’t notice any significant changes in my health while taking Seed, it did help reduce morning nausea for me, which I sometimes experience. It’s worth noting that most people who have no gut issues or limited gut issues, like myself, should not have a significant response to probiotics.

Overall, I think Seed DS-01® would be an excellent choice for people looking for a natural way to support their gastrointestinal health and people who experience frequent gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or constipation.

How to take

Seed DS-01® is meant to be taken on an empty stomach daily. It’s recommended to take DS-01® on an empty stomach, or at least 10 minutes prior to eating, to limit the capsule’s exposure to digestive enzymes and bile salts. However, the Seed website states that it’s perfectly fine to take DS-01® with food if it’s more comfortable for you. Seed recommends taking one capsule daily for the first three days before moving onto the full two-capsule dose on day four, or whenever you’re ready to increase your dose. Customers should be aware that they may experience temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal tightness, mild nausea and stool changes, which the Seed website explains is a normal sign of your body acclimating to DS-01®. According to Seed, these symptoms should subside after a few weeks of taking DS-01®. The capsules aren’t large, but they aren’t small, either. I don’t have an issue swallowing pills of any size, but I could see how someone who has a tough time swallowing large pills wouldn’t be a fan of the capsules.

Related Post: Should I Take Probiotics Everyday

Results of Taking Seed

I didn’t experience significant changes to my health while taking Seed. The one change I noticed was that I wasn’t having morning nausea, which I sometimes experience. Other than that, I didn’t find that taking Seed DS-01® changed my health in any significant way. However, it’s important to note that I follow a fiber-rich diet and consider my digestive system very healthy. I would imagine that people who have conditions such as IBS or constipation, or people who experience frequent digestive issues, would be more likely to experience more short- and long-term benefits when taking a comprehensive synbiotic supplement like Seed DS-01®.

Where to buy Seed

Unlike many probiotic products, Seed DS-01® can only be purchased on the Seed website. Seed doesn’t sell on websites like Amazon or Vitacost, and you can’t find Seed in brick-and-mortar stores. While some people might view this as a downside, I think it’s an effective way for Seed to manage the quality and safety of its supplements.

About Seed

Founded in 2015 by consumer tech entrepreneur Ara Katz and life sciences entrepreneur Raja Dhir, Seed is a supplement company that stands out from the crowd in terms of testing and research. Both Katz and Dhir were interested in using bacteria to improve human and ecological health and worked together to develop their microbial sciences company, Seed. The company headquarters is in Los Angeles, California.

Seed's first synbiotic product was launched in 2018 and has been refined over time. The company now offers DS-01® Daily Synbiotic for adults over the age of 18 as well as a children’s synbiotic, PDS-08®, which is safe for children and teens aged three to 17.

All seed products go through rigorous testing to ensure safety and quality, including third-party testing during the product manufacturing process and on the final products. Seed products undergo testing for potency, survivability in the digestive system, contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides, allergens and heat stability.

Seed monitors its supplements with over 50 quality assurance and quality control checkpoints, testing each ingredient prior to encapsulation and after manufacture. What’s more, Seed probiotics undergo whole-genome testing, which verifies strain specificity as well as the quality and purity of the probiotics used in Seed supplements.

Seed is well-respected in the supplement industry and has an impressive scientific board including researchers, doctors and authors, including Harvard Medical School professor and geneticist George Church, Ph.D., who is the co-director SeedLabs. SeedLabs was founded in 2018 and was created to develop solutions for environmental issues, such as ecosystems that have been negatively impacted by human activity. SeedLabs is currently researching ways to combat climate change, prevent coral bleaching, reduce plastic waste and improve the health of honeybees.

SeedLabs partners with world-renowned research institutions such as Weill Cornell, Harvard and MIT. In addition to working toward solutions to environmental issues, Seed has taken tremendous steps to lower its impact on the environment and is a carbon-negative company, meaning it offsets and removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits.

Seed vs Ritual

Ritual is a subscription supplement company that offers a variety of supplements, including a daily synbiotic. Ritual’s Synbiotic+ contains two probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BB-12®), as well as PreforPro® prebiotic and Corbiome® Tributyrin postbiotic. Postbiotics are metabolites created when probiotics break down prebiotics and other compounds that can benefit digestive health.

Although Ritual Synbiotic+ provides prebiotics and probiotics, it differs from Seed in several ways. First, it contains fewer ingredients. Synbiotic+ is made with just two probiotic strains plus a prebiotic and postbiotic. This doesn’t mean that Ritual is less effective or inferior to Seed DS-01®; it’s just a different product. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis are the probiotics found in Ritual Synbiotic+, both of which have solid evidence to back up their potential health benefits. Ritual is also third-party tested, yet not as extensively tested as Seed DS-01®.

Even though it contains fewer ingredients, Ritual Synbiotic+ is more expensive than Seed DS-01® with a 30-day supply costing $54. Because of this, one could argue that DS-01® is a better choice for the price.

Seed FAQs

How quickly does Seed probiotic work?

According to the Seed website, you may feel some results, such as less bloating or more comfortable bowel movements, in as little as 24 to 48 hours. However, some people may need to take Seed for a few weeks to notice any significant changes to their health.

Does Seed need to be refrigerated?

No. Seed DS-01® is shelf-stable and can be kept at room temperature. However, if your home is consistently warmer than 79°F for extended periods, Seed recommends refrigerating DS-01® in an oxygen-tight container.

Can children take Seed?

DS-01® is only recommended for adults over the age of 18. However, Seed offers a children’s synbiotic, PDS-08®, which is safe for children and teens aged three to 17.

Can you take Seed with other vitamins and supplements?

Yes, DS-01® is safe to take with other supplements and medications. Seed recommends checking with your healthcare provider before adding DS-01® into your routine if you take one or more prescription medications.

Takeaway: Is Seed Worth It?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive synbiotic supplement, DS-01® is one of the best choices on the market. Not only does DS-01® contain probiotic and prebiotic strains clinically proven to be safe and effective for promoting health, but the product is rigorously tested, shelf-stable and delivered to your door monthly. What’s more, Seed is a company that’s carbon-negative and actively working to protect the health of the environment.

Though synbiotic supplements aren’t appropriate or necessary for everyone, Seed DS-01® may be a helpful addition to many people’s diets, including people who struggle with digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation and those who are looking for a natural and effective way to support their gut health.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.