Searching for “probiotics” online yields hundreds of millions of results, with countless products claiming to rejuvenate or recalibrate gut health. While the field of probiotics is expanding rapidly and holds significant promise, many of the available “probiotic” products, especially in the U.S., lack a firm scientific foundation. Along with understanding various “biotic” categories like prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and parabiotics, consumers must differentiate between products merely labeled as “science-supported” and those genuinely rooted in scientific research.
The word “probiotic” is frequently misused, merely referring to anything containing microbes. But a more nuanced understanding is crucial.
The ISAPP (International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics) defines “probiotics” as, “live organisms that, when taken in sufficient quantities, bestow health advantages to the recipient.” In essence, probiotics are live entities, usually bacteria, studied in specific doses to produce definite health outcomes. Conversely, prebiotics are often described as compounds that nourish our internal microbes. The term “synbiotic” denotes a mix of both probiotics and prebiotics.
What is a SYNBIOTIC?
Synbiotics may work synergistically, meaning the prebiotic in a formulation is used by the microbes in that formulation. Or, they can be complementary, meaning the prebiotic is utilized by the microbes that already reside in your gut. Ingestion of either type of synbiotic has been demonstrated to impart a health benefit, though, to date, nearly all commercially available synbiotics are considered complementary.
How Does Seed’s DS-01® Compare to Alternatives?
Seed vs Ritual vs Align vs NativePath | Seed’s DS-01® | Ritual | Align | NativePath |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $50 | $19.95 | $39.95 |
| Potency | 53.6B AFU | 11B CFU | 1B CFU | 2.75B CFU |
| Whole-Body Health | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Contains Prebiotics | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Servings | 30 | 30 | 14 | 30 |
| Strains | 24 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
Seed vs. Ritual
Ritual is priced almost identically to Seed’s DS-01® and is also a synbiotic, but has a significantly lower potency. DS-01® is a probiotic solution that supports whole-body health, whereas Ritual’s primary focus is on supporting digestive benefits. Relatedly, Ritual’s formulation includes only two strains compared to Seed’s 24-strain formula.
Seed vs. Align
While DS-01® contains 53.6 billion AFU, Align contains 1 billion CFU at time of manufacture while only guaranteeing 10 million CFU at the end of shelf life. Moreover, Align doesn’t contain prebiotics. However, for a month’s supply of capsules, Align costs only $19.95—half of Seed’s price.
Seed vs. NativePath
NativePath’s formulation focuses heavily on supporting digestive health and metabolism, while the benefits of DS-01® are inclusive of digestive and gut health, but also go beyond that to support whole-body health. NativePath offers a 365-day money-back guarantee compared to 30 days for Seed.
Seed Probiotics Review
DS-01® is a broad-spectrum probiotic and prebiotic formulated with 24 strains clinically and scientifically studied to promote whole-body benefits, including regularity, ease of bloating, gut-immune function, gut-barrier integrity, healthy, glowing skin, and heart health. Seed’s patented capsule-in-capsule ViaCap® technology is engineered to survive digestion and optimize survivability (which is important because as live microorganisms, probiotics are fragile to the harsh conditions of the GI tract). It also delivers a precision release to the upper GI tract for complete delivery to the colon (where probiotics do the majority of their work).
At $49.99 per month, it’s $1.67 per day (more expensive than other probiotics), but I find Seed’s DS-01® worth it if you’re looking for a scientifically validated, effective, 2-in-1 probiotic and prebiotic with a range of benefits for digestion and holistic health.
I’ve been taking Seeds synbiotic for 3 months and while the benefits aren’t tangible just yet, I feel a peace of mind knowing I’m leveraging the most cutting-edge science given how important gut health is to your overall wellbeing.
Seed Health Pros + Cons
Pros
- Systemic health benefits
- No refrigeration needed
- Free U.S. shipping
- 30-day, risk-free guarantee
Cons
- Available via subscription
- Pricier than alternative probiotics
Benefits of Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic Strains
Seed’s DS-01® is formulated to support digestive health, gut immune function, gut barrier protection, heart health, dermatological health, and the production of certain micronutrients like folate and vitamin B12.
While there is a fair amount of promising probiotic research available that suggests specific probiotic strains may help support certain gastrointestinal conditions, skin health, and more, additional studies are still needed to fully uncover the potential of probiotics.
While anxiety is not one of the benefits that Seed’s probiotics claim to support, emerging research has demonstrated a link between probiotic supplementation and the gut-brain axis, or the bidirectional line of communication between the brain and the gut. In some cases, studies have noted that certain probiotics have demonstrated an ability to alleviate mild anxiety, however, as this is a novel concept, further research is required.
Probiotic Blend Ingredients
DS-01® strain diversity is much higher than the industry average. Here’s what’s inside:
- 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 addition, specific strains like Bifidobacterium adolescentis SD-BA5-IT and Limosilactobacillus reuteri SD-LRE2-IT possess the genetic capability to support the synthesis of micronutrients including B12 and (B9) folate.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LPLDL-UK and Bifidobacterium lactis SD-MB2409-IT help to maintain heart health. Ligilactobacillus salivarius SD-LS1-IT, Bifidobacterium lactis SD-CECT8145-SP, Bifidobacterium longum SD-CECT7347-SP, and Lacticaseibacillus casei SD-CECT9104-SP all work to support skin health.
Prebiotic Blend Ingredients
Prebiotics, by definition, are not microorganisms but non-living compounds used by microbes in some way that are beneficial to the host. In the simplest terms, prebiotics are “compounds” that encourage the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria.
The innovative prebiotic blend in DS-01® consists of polyphenols sourced from the fruit and skin of Indian pomegranate—most notable, punicalagins (and their breakdown product urolithins), which have been associated with numerous health benefits.
Additionally, a 4-week clinical trial performed on the novel prebiotic contained in DS-01® has demonstrated its ability to support healthy skin and reduce visible signs of aging through the gut-skin axis.
What Are the Side Effects of Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic?
The probiotic strains in DS-01® have GRAS and QPS status which designates them as safe for consumption by the United States and European Union, respectively. In addition, DS-01® is rigorously third-party tested to confirm its safety and purity.
That said, because probiotics are live and active, some people may experience mild side effects when first introducing probiotics into their system such as:
- Upset stomach
- Cramping
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
These adjustment symptoms are typically a sign that the probiotics are viable and should go away as your body adjusts to the probiotic.
Though rare, allergic reactions from probiotics are possible. If you experience the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care:
- Swelling of the tongue, lips, and/or throat
- Difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Seed conducts extensive testing on DS-01®, including a suite of third-party testing throughout each step of the manufacturing process, as well as on the final product.
Their testing includes:
- Potency (AFU)
- Survivability (SHIME®)
- Contaminants (heavy metals and pesticides)
- Extended allergen panel (all 14 EFSA-defined classes)
- Thermostability (temperature)
With 50+ quality assurance and quality control (QA / QC) checkpoints, Seed monitors purity under both US and European protocols (including cGMP + HACCP) throughout the production cycle. This means each ingredient batch is extensively tested prior to encapsulation and each batch after manufacture.
The Verdict: Is Seed Worth It?
Seed ‘s probiotic strain selection makes DS-01® a true daily all-in-one for your gut and whole-body health.
Seed’s DS-01® stands out from the rest. DS-01®’s proprietary formulation includes strains studied to fortify the gut barrier, support healthy regularity and ease bloating, reinforce an optimal gut-skin axis, promote cardiovascular health, and support healthy immune responses. DS-01®’s innovative and plant-based prebiotic is sourced from the skin of Indian pomegranate and has been clinically validated to support healthy aging, including the reduction of aging markers like the appearance of wrinkles. This prebiotic is non-fermenting, which is gentle on the stomach, unlike most fiber-based prebiotics.
Seed’s patented capsule-in-capsule ViaCap® technology has been evaluated in one of the most sophisticated testing systems to verify its survivability and precision release to the colon.
Known for their renowned scientists in the field of microbiome and probiotics, Seed’s scientific rigor and ongoing research set them apart from others. DS-01® strains have been clinically studied in over 20 clinical and mechanistic studies. Two clinical trials evaluating the DS-01® formulation have recently been completed: one assessing the impact of DS-01® on individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) under Investigational New Drug authorization from the FDA, and another evaluating the effects of DS-01® on the gut microbiota during and after antibiotic usage (under Health Canada authorization). This new data is anticipated to be published in high-impact scientific journals in the coming six months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the signs that probiotics are working?
As everyone’s body is different, the benefits you may “feel” (ease of bloating, more regular bowel movements) are often just the most visceral ones. There are dozens of beneficial interactions that can take place between probiotics, prebiotics, and your own collection of cells that contribute to your overall health in ways you might not easily perceive. For example, certain strains in DS-01® have been studied to regulate inflammatory pathways and contribute to healthy immune function, while others have been studied to support the production of essential micronutrients like vitamins B12 and folate. These are outcomes that may not immediately be “felt”, but still contribute to your long-term health.
How long should you take synbiotics?
In general, probiotics are transient organisms meaning they travel through your digestive tract, interacting with local cells, nutrients and your existing microbes along the way (before eventually exiting your system). As such, many probiotic effects are dependent on continuous daily consumption rather than short-term or limited use. Translation: if sustained benefits are desired, consistent intake is typically required.
What happens when you take probiotics every day?
Some individuals may experience improved digestion and better regularity on an ongoing basis, and others may notice a more resilient, clear skin and complexion. The body is complex, and interconnected—and the gut microbiome sits at the core of it all, connected to physiological pathways and organ systems throughout the entire body. Because of this, probiotics have tremendous potential to impact human health.
Is Seed’s DS-01® FDA-approved?
The FDA does not “approve” dietary supplements (they also do not approve foods, beverages, or cosmetics). However, the FDA does regulate and enforce both dietary supplements (the finished products) and dietary ingredients. DS-01® adheres to all FDA-established protocols for dietary supplements (current Good Manufacturing Practices, or “cGMP”), also exceeds U.S. regulations for ingredient and product testing, and meets the highest global regulatory standards in Europe (EFSA) and Japan (FOSHU).
How much does Seed’s DS-01® cost?
Seed’s DS-01® costs $49.99 per month.
Save big on the best nutrition products
Find out what licensed medical professionals think!
Methodology
To find the best synbiotic, we started by searching online retailers for any that were specifically designed for digestive health and overall wellness. Next, we narrowed our list down to only the highest-rated and most thoroughly researched options. We then evaluated the synbiotic based on its probiotic strains, third-party testing, customer reviews, and overall benefits. We also considered ease of use, effectiveness, customer service, and costs.
We ultimately made our decision based on the range of wellness benefits, customer experiences, and risk of side effects.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – sustainable packaging | 1 |
| Testing + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of use – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – ease of forming a health habit – requires additional purchae? – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
Related Reading
Misfits Market vs. Hungryroot: Which Grocery Delivery Service Is Best?
Hungryroot and Misfits Market are both food delivery services that provide high quality groceries on a weekly basis. While Hungryroot works best for those who prefer to meal prep and plan for their upcoming week or for those who have specific dietary needs, Misfits Market
Can Weight Gain and Fasting Impact Hair Health?
Key Takeaways Rapid or excessive weight gain can affect hair health. Inadequate nutrition during weight gain or fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies that harm the hair. Hormonal imbalances resulting from weight gain may impact hair growth. Fasting can cause physical stress and elevate cortisol
Pique Radiant Skin Duo Review – Can a Drink Really Make Your Skin Glow? We Asked a Dermatologist.
Pique Radiant Skin Duo Overview Price: $126 for one-time purchase of 28 servings Possible benefits: Radiant skin, immune and digestion support, as well as calm energy Flavors: Yuzu berry and matcha Serving: 1 sachet 1-3 times daily Calories: Zero calories Potential side effects: Rapid heart rate, insomnia, and more Who it’s
Arey Grey Review- Do Supplements Work to Prevent Gray Hair?
Arey Grey is a brand that offers natural supplements that focus on providing the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support hair color and prevent or slow down the graying process. Though graying hair is known as an effect of aging, some individuals may experience
Everydaydose vs. MUD WTR vs. Rasa: What’s the Best Adaptogen Coffee?
Adaptogenic coffee blends, also called mushroom coffee, may contain ingredients such as mushrooms, herbs, spices, collagen, and amino acids, which are thought to promote overall health and wellness. They are touted as a good coffee alternative for individuals who may have certain conditions, such as
Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free Review 2023 – Is It the Healthiest Hydration Powder?
Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier is an electrolyte powder mix that uses a unique delivery system, referred to as Cellular Transport Technology (CTT)®, that the company claims helps you experience enhanced hydration, and its benefits, earlier on in the digestive process.Offering a lemon lime, white
