Probiotic supplements are becoming increasingly popular due to growing interest in gut health. They contain live bacteria and yeasts in defined quantities designed to provide positive health benefits when consumed.
Disruptions in the microbial content have been linked to several diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, tooth decay, gingivitis, and more. Maintaining a healthy, beneficial microbial population in the gut may help strengthen immunity and support healthy gut function.
Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic provides a blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support a healthy digestive system. Seed probiotic utilizes ViaCap® delivery technology, a broad range of probiotic strains, and prebiotics to optimize its effectiveness.
Our Seed probiotic review focuses on assessing the overall effectiveness, value, and pros and cons of its various ingredients as well as potential health benefits.
How did we evaluate Seed probiotic?
We analyzed the supplement based on our specific criteria, which include ingredient quality, brand reputation, customer feedback, and price.
Ingredient quality | Brand reputation | Customer feedback | Price |
Well-selected ingredients, no additives | GMP certification, third-party testing | Positive vs. negative reviews | Compared with competitors |
- Ingredient quality. We checked whether the supplement ingredients are suitable for the intended purposes and whether they contain any artificial additives.
- Brand reputation. As with any other dietary supplement, we checked for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification and third-party testing.
- Customer feedback. We compared positive and negative reviews to evaluate the user experience.
- Price. We compared the supplement’s pricing with other similar products in the market to see if it offers great value for money.
Support your gut and overall health with Seed DS-01® probiotic and prebiotic formula: 53.6 Billion AFU for adults 18+.
What is Seed probiotic?
Seed Synbiotic is a supplement containing 24 strains of microorganisms in blends to target various health issues and non-fermenting prebiotics derived from an Indian pomegranate.
Using the counting method of tagging cells with fluorescent markers and counting them with a laser, Seed probiotic provides 56.3 billion active fluorescent units (AFUs).
To enhance the survival of probiotic strains, Seed uses ViaCap® delivery technology to improve delivery to the small intestine and colon. This two-in-one capsule contains an outer capsule that prevents the acidic environment of the stomach from killing the microorganisms in the supplement.
Seed is a vegan probiotic supplement that does not require refrigeration and has been tested for major allergens, including gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, and shellfish.
The science & ingredients
Seed probiotic ingredients and the science behind them are important considerations when selecting a probiotic. Seed groups the various strains into four categories based on the potential benefit of the strain.
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Digestive health:
- 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
In the digestive health blend, four strains have been shown in human clinical studies (as listed on the Seed website) to significantly improve constipation, defecation frequency, and fecal characteristics. While many of the other strains have shown potential benefits, the studies were conducted in the laboratory or animal models.
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Dermatologic Health:
- Bifidobacterium lactis SD-CECT8145-SP
- Bifidobacterium longum SD-CECT7347-SP
- Lacticaseibacillus casei SD-CECT9104-SP
- Ligilactobacillus salivarius SD-LS1-IT
The strains included for dermatologic health have all demonstrated significant improvement in adults and children with inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema.
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Cardiovascular health:
- Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LPLDL-UK
- Bifidobacterium lactis SD-MB2409-IT
L. plantarum has been shown in two clinical trials to reduce levels of total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol when used in supplements for at least 6 weeks.
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Micronutrient support:
- Bifidobacterium adolescentis SD-BA5-IT
- Limosilactobacillus reuteri SD-LRE2-IT
While studies have shown both strains to increase the production of important micronutrients, only B. adolescentis has been studied in human subjects. This study showed this strain can produce folate within the human intestinal environment.
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Prebiotics
- Indian Pomegranate [whole fruit] (Punica granatum) (>40% Polyphenolic + Phenolic Bioactives)
Prebiotics are nutrients that can aid in the growth and health of beneficial bacteria within the intestinal tract. While Seed claims these non-fermenting prebiotics can reduce bloating and gas, user reviews have still noted them to occur upon initial use, but to resolve within a couple of weeks.
Potential benefits of Seed probiotic
Whether Seed is a good probiotic for you depends on the specific reasons you decide to take it. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Digestion and gut health. Seed Probiotics can aid in the digestion and absorption of various amino acids, help maintain regularity, and reduce symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas. The probiotics in Seed show some promise in reducing gastrointestinal discomfort and other symptoms however, the evidence is from small studies.
- Immune system regulation. Probiotics can improve the integrity of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract's cell lining, which can prevent the absorption of potentially harmful compounds. In addition, this helps modulate the inflammatory response within the GI tract, which helps in conditions such as IBS and celiac disease.
- Cardiovascular health. The probiotic strains in Seed have shown some evidence in small clinical trials that they can reduce "bad" cholesterol levels and increase "good" cholesterol, which could help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Skin health. Regular use of the strains in Seed has been shown to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory skin concerns.
Who is Seed probiotic best for?
Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic is recommended for adults over the age of 18. However, Seed makes PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic, formulated for children and adolescents between the ages of 3–17.
While there are no completed clinical studies directly assessing the effects of Seed probiotics on specific medical conditions, there are studies suggesting people with gastrointestinal conditions like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), constipation, and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement. Additionally, research suggests that probiotics may provide benefits in conditions involving the skin (e.g., eczema).
The strains contained in Seed have been studied and shown to reduce "bad" cholesterol and stimulate the production of "good" cholesterol, which may be beneficial for those at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Overall, Seed probiotic is a well-rounded supplement that may be beneficial for those seeking wellness support, especially those with gastrointestinal concerns. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
Support your child's gut heath and beyond with Seed PDS-08®, a composition of 9 strain-probiotic and a fiber-based prebiotic.
Important considerations
With so many different products on the market, it is important to develop criteria for the evaluation of each supplement. When considering this supplement, it is important to ask, "Is Seed probiotic worth it?"
One of the best predictors of effectiveness is the number of viable microorganisms, i.e., colony-forming units (CFUs or AFUs). The ViaCap® delivery technology has been shown to improve survival in simulated digestion models, but this has not been verified in human clinical studies.
Seed probiotic side effects can include gas and bloating despite claims for a reduction in these symptoms by including non-fermenting prebiotics. Luckily, these symptoms typically resolve after a week or so as the body becomes used to the supplement.
Each individual will respond differently to probiotics, which may be as quickly as 1–2 weeks or can take up to 3 months. Patients with few gastrointestinal symptoms may not notice any benefit of a probiotic, whereas those with frequent complaints of diarrhea and constipation may notice a better response.
At $49.99 for a month of Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic, it falls within the middle-to-upper price range of probiotic supplements. For users with frequent complaints, this price point may be acceptable.
User reviews
User reviews for Seed Daily Synbiotic are mixed.
On Trustpilot, it has an overall rating of 2.2 out of 5 stars from 34 reviews, with 56% of users giving it a 1-star rating.
Positive feedback includes:
- Digestive health benefits, such as reduced bloating and regular bowel movements.
- Appreciation for the eco-friendly packaging and sustainability efforts.
However, many users have reported negative experiences, including:
- Lack of results without any noticeable health improvements.
- Poor customer service, difficulties in canceling subscriptions, and obtaining refunds.
- Side effects like swelling, gas, and bloating.
- Shady marketing practices, such as automatic subscriptions without clear consent.
On Amazon, the product fares better with an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from 413 reviews, and 57% giving it a 5-star rating.
Positive feedback highlights:
- Gut health support, reduced bloating, improved bowel movements.
- Reusable glass jar packaging.
But there are also some common complaints, such as:
- Side effects like cramping, bloating, nausea, and flatulence.
- Concerns about the product’s effectiveness and the non-refundable policy.
- High price and limited refund options.
In summary, user reviews show more negative experiences than positive ones. Given this mixed reaction, it would be best to do more research on this product to determine if it’s the right choice for your needs. You may also want to consult with a healthcare specialist for professional advice.
Seed probiotic vs competitors
Brand | CFUs or AFUs | Number of strains | Price | Dosage | Cost per Serving | Additional active ingredients |
Seed | 53.6 billion AFU | 24 | $49.99 | 2 capsules | $1.67 | Punicalagins prebiotics |
AG1 | 7.2 billion | 2 | $79 | 1 scoop | $2.63 | Vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, superfoods, adaptogens, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, functional mushrooms |
Ritual Symbiotic+ | 11 billion | 2 | $60 | 1 capsule | $2.00 | PreforPro prebiotic, Core Biome postbiotic |
Bioma | 9 billion | 2 | $79.99 | 2 capsules | $1.87 | Xylooligosaccharides, tributyrin |
Unbloat | 25 billion | 7 | $47.99 | 2 capsules | $1.59 | Prebiotic fiber, nutrients for bowel support, bloat-fighting herbal formula, folate, magnesium |
Choosing between Seed or Bioma? Check out our dedicated comparison for Bioma vs. Seed.
Seed vs. AG1 comparison
Seed Daily Synbiotic and Athletic Greens (AG1) may serve different goals despite both being similar supplements.
Seed focuses on gut health, combining a blend of probiotics and prebiotics, which are taken as a daily capsule to support your digestive system.
On the other hand, AG1 is a powdered mix that provides a wide range of beneficial compounds, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, adaptogens, and superfoods, tailored to support overall health, energy, and immunity.
While Seed is all about balancing your gut microbiome, AG1 may offer broader nutritional support.
Also, both have different forms and pricing models:
Seed is a subscription-based capsule, while AG1 is sold as a premium powdered supplement with subscription discounts.
In short, Seed may target gut health specifically, whereas AG1 can potentially cover various health benefits.
Seed vs. Ritual comparison
Seed Daily Synbiotic and Ritual Synbiotic+ are both designed to support gut health, but they do it a bit differently.
Seed is tailored for a comprehensive approach to gut health. It includes 24 probiotic strains and prebiotics to support digestion, gut barrier function, and the immune system.
On the flip side, Ritual Synbiotic+ combines three specific probiotic strains, prebiotics, and a postbiotic (butyrate) to support gut health and the gut lining.
While Seed offers a broad spectrum of probiotics with a high CFU count, Ritual focuses on tailored strains and additional gut lining support. Both are taken as daily capsules, making them easy to incorporate into your routine.
Seed is great for a wide-ranging approach, while Ritual may provide a tailored blend with added postbiotic benefits.
Conclusion: is Seed Probiotic worth it?
Overall, the reviews of Seed probiotic suggest it can be beneficial for those with certain digestive symptoms without causing significant side effects. While many of the claims presented on the website have yet to be scientifically proven, the probiotic does contain several strains supported by scientific studies.
The final verdict on this product is likely to be user-dependent, but it appears to be worthy of a trial for those with frequent digestive issues such as diarrhea and constipation.
Pros
- It contains 24 strains with some scientific support for their use.
- Utilizes ViaCap® delivery technology to deliver more viable microorganisms to the colon.
- Each lot is tested for major allergens.
- Well-tolerated with minor side effects that are typically short-lived.
Cons
- Laboratory testing is unclear as to whether it is conducted in-house or by a third-party.
- The exact content of each strain is not specified.
- Expensive compared to some probiotic supplements.
- A limited number of clinical studies have directly tested the effectiveness of this supplement.
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FAQ
Is Seed Probiotic FDA approved?
As with other supplements, Seed probiotics are not FDA-approved and the FDA does not regulate these supplements. Therefore, it is important to use trusted brands that undergo third-party testing to ensure the supplements are free from harmful contaminants and contain the labeled ingredients.
How long does Seed Probiotic take to work?
The effects of Seed probiotics can be seen in as little as one to two weeks. However, it may require up to 3 months to experience the full benefits of a probiotic supplement. Therefore, many recommend at least a two to three-month trial to determine whether the probiotic is effective.
Is Seed a good probiotic?
The manufacturer of Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic is compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices and tests each lot of supplements to ensure a high-quality product. Whether this is third-party testing is not clear, but the makers of Seed appear to be focused on producing a quality product.
Does Seed Probiotic work?
Overall, the reviews for Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic are positive and have been reported to be well-tolerated except for some mild gas and bloating when beginning the supplement. While no clinical trials are available to directly compare its effectiveness, the supplement does contain several strains with proven clinical benefits.
8 resources
- Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. The use of probiotics in healthy volunteers with evacuation disorders and hard stools: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
- Bioscience and Microflora Effect of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 Administration on the Intestinal Environment, Defecation Frequency and Fecal Characteristics of Human Volunteers.
- Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. Probiotics reduce gut microbial translocation and improve adult atopic dermatitis.
- PLoS One. An in vivo assessment of the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum ECGC 13110402 in normal to mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults.
- Journal of Functional Foods. The cholesterol lowering efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum ECGC 13110402 in hypercholesterolemic adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, pilot human intervention study.
- Microorganisms. Changes in Gut Microbiota Correlates with Response to Treatment with Probiotics in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis. A Post Hoc Analysis of a Clinical Trial.
- JAMA Dermatology. Effect of Oral Administration of a Mixture of Probiotic Strains on SCORAD Index and Use of Topical Steroids in Young Patients With Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
- Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. Quantification of folic acid in human feces after administration of Bifidobacterium probiotic strains.
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