Founded by Ara Katz and Raja Dhir, Seed Probiotics creates probiotics and synbiotics products that may help improve your digestive, immune, skin, and heart health.
Seed's product lineup includes DS-01 Daily Synbiotic, PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic, and VS-01. The brand claims to use a patented capsule-in-capsule design that ensures that probiotics survive the conditions of the stomach and reach the colon effectively.
However, is the brand Seed Probiotics worth trying? In this review, we have explored the products offered by Seed while analyzing the brand's advantages and limitations to help you learn everything about the brand.
As per its official site, Seed Probiotics is a wellness brand that specializes in microbiome-based products. Its offerings include the DS-01® Daily Synbiotic, a formula that combines both probiotics and prebiotics in a unique two-in-one capsule. The brand claims that DS-01® Daily Synbiotic contains 24 clinically studied probiotic strains and provides 53.6 billion AFU (Active Fluorescent Units).
As per the official website, Seed products have a dual-layer capsule system. This means that Seed Probiotics includes probiotic strains for the inner capsules, while the outer capsule contains the prebiotics. This design helps the probiotics survive the harsh environment of the stomach and ensures they reach the colon intact, which is where they're most effective.
According to the official website, Seed Probiotics are sold through a monthly subscription model, with the DS-01 priced at $49.99 per month for a 30-day supply.
The brand claims to use a bio-based tray made of renewable ingredients such as starch, natural fibers, and water, and produced energy-efficiently, which are fully recyclable and home compostable.
While their glass bottles are recyclable, Seed encourages you to keep your jar for your monthly refills, reducing unnecessary waste. As per its official website, Seed's shipping boxes are made from ecological paper made from algae, a material that would otherwise damage fragile marine ecosystems. The brand's certified industrial-compostable, bio-based pouches claim to help keep oxygen and moisture out while being planet-safe.
DS-01® Daily Synbiotic by Seed Probiotics is a scientifically formulated probiotic and prebiotic formula that may help support gastrointestinal health and immune function. It is said to contain 53.6 billion AFU (active fluorescent units) from 24 clinically studied strains, selected for their ability to survive gastrointestinal transit and provide functional benefits in improving gut barrier integrity, modulating immune responses, and promoting regularity.
As per the official Seed website, DS-01® Daily Synbiotic uses a patented 2-in-1 capsule technology (a probiotic nested inside a prebiotic outer capsule) that ensures strain viability through stomach acid and bile exposure, which is critical for probiotics to show their effects.
Seed's DS-01 Daily Synbiotic may help keep your stool hydrated and make it easier to pass. It could also help relieve occasional stomach discomfort caused by slower digestion and protect your gut barrier while preventing damage caused by toxins and alcohol.
According to the makers, the DS-01 Daily Synbiotic also helps your body produce folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12. It could also help support healthy skin by improving the connection between your gut and your skin.
Seed Probiotics highlights that DS-01 Daily Synbiotic formulation includes 37.0 billion AFU from the gut barrier integrity probiotic blend, dermatological health blend (3.30 billion AFU), cardiovascular health blend (5.25 billion AFU), and micronutrient synthesis probiotic blend (8.05 billion AFU).
Seed Probiotics features PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic, which is a clinically studied 2-in-1 powdered synbiotic specifically formulated for children and adolescents aged 3–17. It provides 24.5 billion Active Fluorescent Units (AFU), a measure of viable probiotic cells capable of interacting with your microbiota.
As per the official website, PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic also includes nine scientifically backed probiotic strains and 5 grams of prebiotic fiber that might support gut, immune, skin, and respiratory function. It also combines probiotic strains such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-GG, which is a clinically studied probiotic for pediatric use, and Lactobacillus acidophilus SD-NCFM, which may support gastrointestinal and immune health.
PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic also combines Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium longum, which could support digestion, immune modulation, and the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate that may help maintain gut lining integrity.
Seed's PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic contains MAOS™ (Microbiota-Accessible Oligomeric Substrates), a fiber-based prebiotic blend derived from molecularly profiled inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) from chicory root. These compounds might help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and have been shown in peer-reviewed research to enhance stool frequency and consistency in children with constipation.
The makers state that PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic can be mixed into room-temperature food or beverages. They also mention that PDS-08 is made with microencapsulation technology that helps probiotic strains survive the acidic environment of your stomach and arrive at the gut intact. Since probiotics are generally transient microorganisms, they do not permanently colonize the gut but show their effects while passing through.
According to the makers, PDS-08 is free from over 20 allergens, including added sugar, soy, gluten, dairy, nuts, and sesame, making it a safe option for children with dietary sensitivities. It has also undergone rigorous third-party testing to ensure purity, potency, and safety.
Seed mentions that its PDS-08® Pediatric Daily Synbiotic uses an aluminum BacTrac™ container for packaging that is recyclable and a biodegradable tray made from renewable materials like starch and natural fibers.
As per the official website, VS-01 is a clinically validated vaginal synbiotic suppository that may help maintain an optimal vaginal microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus, a species of lactic acid, producing bacteria known to support vaginal health.
A 2023 clinical trial found that Lactobacillus crispatus probiotics significantly improved symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis. They increased healthy Lactobacillus levels and reduced harmful bacteria and symptoms like discharge, odor, and irritation.
L. crispatus in VS-01 Synbiotic could help maintain a low vaginal pH, creating an inhospitable environment for pathogenic bacteria and yeast, thereby decreasing the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and yeast overgrowth.
Seed's official website states that VS-01 was developed in collaboration with Dr. Jacques Ravel and includes three proprietary strains of L. crispatus LUCA103™, LUCA011™, and LUCA009™, which may provide superior colonization ability, lactic acid production, and antimicrobial properties.
As per the official website, VS-01 requires no refrigeration and has been rigorously tested for allergens, contaminants, and osmolality to ensure it maintains epithelial integrity and mucosal safety.
Seed Probiotics features DS-01® Daily Synbiotic, which combines 24 clinically studied probiotic strains. These strains are categorized into four distinct blends, each targeting specific health areas such as dermatological health, cardiovascular health, gut health, and micronutrient synthesis. For instance, strains like Bifidobacterium longum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Seed's products could support gut barrier function and immune health, while Ligilactobacillus salivarius is included for its potential benefits to skin health.
As per the official Seed website, its products like DS-01® utilize Seed's proprietary ViaCap® technology, a capsule-in-capsule design that enhances the survival of probiotics through the digestive tract. The outer capsule, derived from Indian pomegranate, protects the inner probiotic capsule from stomach acid, ensuring that the live bacteria reach the colon effectively. This delivery system can help maximize the efficacy of the probiotics by ensuring their viability upon reaching the target site in the gut.
Seed Probiotics claims to measure probiotic potency using Active Fluorescent Units (AFUs) rather than the traditional Colony Forming Units (CFUs). AFUs account for all viable probiotic cells, including those that may not form colonies but are still metabolically active and beneficial. This method may provide a more accurate representation of the probiotic's potential efficacy.
Seed Probiotics mentions that the prebiotic component of DS-01® is derived from Indian pomegranate, which is rich in polyphenols. These non-fermenting prebiotics are gentle on the digestive system, making them suitable for people with sensitive stomachs or if you are following a low-FODMAP diet. They also serve as nourishment for the probiotic strains, promoting their growth and activity in the gut.
Seed Probiotics claims to support sustainable packaging by using shipping boxes that are made from post-consumer recycled paper and are Forest Stewardship Council certified, ensuring they're fully recyclable. They secure their products in biodegradable PaperFoam trays, which are crafted from starch, natural fibers, and water, materials that are compostable and energy-efficient to produce. As per the official website, Seed Probiotics also promotes reuse through refillable options like a glass jar and travel vial with lids made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, as well as the Bactrac™ container, which is both refillable and recyclable. For refills, the brand made the DS-01® biofilm pouches to block oxygen and moisture. According to the official website, Seed also partners with Planet FWD to audit its carbon footprint and invest in both nature-based and engineered carbon sequestration, removal, and mitigation solutions.
Seed Health claims to use a rigorous scientific approach to develop probiotics, focusing on strain validation through biofermentation, stabilization, and scale-up to ensure efficacy and shelf-life. Strains are selected based on clinical and mechanistic research, with advanced techniques like flow cytometry to measure viable and dead cells and whole-genome sequencing for genetic validation. To test efficacy, the brand employs SHIME®, a model of human digestion, simulating gut conditions like food intake and digestive enzymes. In clinical research, Seed partners with academic institutions to conduct double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
Seed Probiotics is a premium probiotic and prebiotic supplement brand, but its higher price compared to many alternatives can be a drawback. The brand offers a 30-day supply of DS-01® Daily Synbiotic for $49.99, with a welcome kit included, which some people may find expensive. This elevated cost can make Seed less accessible for people on a budget or those needing long-term supplementation.
Seed Probiotics offers its products exclusively through a subscription model, which can be a disadvantage for people looking to try the formula once without committing. There's also the risk of receiving unwanted shipments if you forget to pause or cancel your subscription in time. Over time, the monthly fee can become a significant cost, especially when compared to other probiotic options that offer bulk discounts or more flexible buying terms.
Seed's probiotic products, especially the DS-01® Daily Synbiotic, may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, or changes in stool consistency as your body adjusts. You could also experience brain fog, headaches, irritability, or even skin reactions like itching or rashes if you are allergic to probiotic formulas.
Mindbodygreen and Seed Health both offer premium probiotic supplements, but their approaches and focuses differ significantly. As per its official website, Mindbodygreen offers a range of products addressing muscle, brain, skin, and sleep health, alongside gut-focused products. It features probiotic formulas like Advanced Probiotic+ with Bloat Support, which combines Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 that may aid digestion, reduce bloating, and support immune and gut health. Mindbodygreen claims that all its products are manufactured in the U.S. under cGMP and USDA organic standards and undergo four rounds of ISO-certified testing to ensure purity. Mindbodygreen offers personalization through an online health quiz that recommends targeted supplements based on your health needs.
While comparing the Seed Probiotic brand with Mindbody Green, Seed Probiotics features products such as the DS-01® Daily Synbiotic, which combines 24 clinically studied probiotic strains paired with a non-fermenting prebiotic that may support gut health, immune function, skin, cardiovascular function, and gut barrier integrity.
The brand claims to adhere to FDA standards and also to EFSA (Europe) and FOSHU (Japan). Seed states to follow over 50 quality assurance checkpoints in manufacturing, following strict cGMP and HACCP protocols. Their patented capsule-in-capsule delivery ensures that the probiotics survive stomach acid and reach the colon, enhancing efficacy. Seed Probiotics also supports sustainability through its refill system using compostable, bio-based packaging.
It also offers a subscription-based model with a 30-day risk-free guarantee, while Mindbodygreen offers both subscribe and save and a one-time purchase option with discounts.
Ritual focuses on science-backed formulas and offers a wide range of products for better sleep, skin health, multivitamins, and protein options. On the other hand, Seed Probiotics only focuses on better digestion and nutrient absorption by supporting your gut health.
As per its official website, Ritual offers Synbiotic+, which is a 3-in-1 formula that combines prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support gut health, digestive function, and immune health. The brand claims that this formula can help enhance the gut microbiome, improve regularity, and provide digestive comfort, especially in alleviating occasional issues such as bloating and gas.
Ritual states that its Synbiotic+ contains clinically researched probiotic strains, such as LGG® and BB-12®, which are studied to support digestive health and immune function. The brand also claims to emphasize sustainability, with packaging made from recycled materials and eco-friendly mailers for recurring orders. According to its makers, Ritual offers both one-time purchases and subscriptions and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Seed focuses on gut health, combining probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive and immune function. Its approach emphasizes live probiotic protection and microbiome support with eco-friendly packaging. As per the official website, Seed Probiotics specifically features PDS-08, which is formulated for children and adolescents, helping them with improved concentration and regular bowel motions.
To evaluate Seed Probiotics reputation, we have evaluated its rating on BBB and Trustpilot. The brand holds an A-rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which suggests a generally positive relationship with customers. However, there have been 38 complaints filed against the company, which indicates areas where customer service and issue resolution could improve. While these complaints represent a small percentage of their overall customer base, they do offer insight into potential areas for improvement, particularly around product satisfaction and communication. At the time of our evaluation, we found that Seed Health Inc. has not been listed on Trustpilot yet.
We evaluated Seed based on customer reviews from Amazon for its DS-01 Daily Synbiotic and VS-01 Vaginal Synbiotic. Many users reported significant improvements in digestive and vaginal health, with the DS-01 appreciated for reducing bloating, constipation, and improving digestion. Customers also noted benefits for skin health and immune function. Some people mentioned that Seed's VS-01 offered relief from discomfort and helped restore balance to the vaginal microbiome, especially when they were going through menopause or dealing with UTIs.
While Seed's products are effective, the high price point is a common concern. Some users felt that the products, though beneficial, were more expensive than comparable options. Despite this, many believed the quality justified the cost, especially given the vegan, shelf-stable formula and sustainable packaging. However, the subscription-based purchase model raised frustrations, as it limits flexibility for customers who do not need monthly refills, leading to complaints about the lack of options for one-time purchases or refills.
We have compared Seed products' pricing with other similar formulas to find out if it offers the best value for money. Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic is priced at $49.99 for a 30-day supply, making it a good option for people seeking a high-quality Synbiotic. It maintains a good balance between cost and effectiveness, offering a variety of probiotic strains that support gut health.
Ritual's Synbiotic+ is priced at $60 for 30 capsules, positioning it slightly higher than Seed. The product emphasizes simplicity and transparency, featuring a clean ingredient list. While it remains within a reasonable range, it doesn't offer as many probiotic strains as Seed's DS-01®, meaning it may not provide as diverse a formulation for the price.
This premium price reflects high-quality ingredients and a comprehensive probiotic blend aimed at both gut and immune health. While it claims to support better gut function, its premium pricing might not be suitable for you if you have a restricted budget.
Seed Probiotics offers probiotic strains that may support gut health and immune function. The brand claims to utilize Active Fluorescent Units (AFUs) to measure probiotic viability, providing a more accurate reflection of potency.
However, the higher price point of Seed Probiotics and the subscription-only model may be drawbacks for some people. While many of the strains included in Seed offerings are well-researched, a few lack extensive independent clinical studies.
While Seed Probiotics could offer additional support for your gut health, it's worth noting that taking its probiotics along with a balanced diet rich in naturally probiotic foods, like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, can also play a key role in supporting a healthy microbiome.
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