Seed Probiotic Review

If you have heard about the Seed probiotic but wonder if there is any evidence behind it, keep on reading this Seed probiotic review. 

In the article, we will first explain what Seed probiotic is. Then, we will give you a review of the Seed probiotic by discussing the scientific research behind it. 

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase the product, we will earn a small commission. However, this does not change the accuracy of the information in this post.

Before we Review – What is Seed Probiotic?

Seed is a company that has produced a probiotic product named DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic. This product contains probiotics and prebiotics; this combination is known as a synbiotic (1). 

• “Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host” (2).

• “Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacterial species already established in the colon, and thus in effect improve host health” (3).

• “Synbiotics are mixtures of probiotics and prebiotics that beneficially affect the host by improving the survival and implantation of live microbial dietary supplements in the gastrointestinal tract of the host” (4).

Prebiotics work as food for live bacteria, which are probiotics. Therefore, probiotics should theoretically have a greater chance of survival when consumed with a prebiotic.

Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic contains 24 bacteria strains and a non-fermentable, polyphenol based prebiotic. The total probiotic enumeration is 53.6 Billion AFU (Active Fluorescent Units). AFU unit gives us information about the number of viable cells in the product (1).

The prebiotic in DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic is concentrated from Indian pomegranate (1). This prebiotic is non-fermentable, contrary to most prebiotics (e. g. inulin) which are fermentable and can cause gut symptoms.

Seed probiotics and prebiotics are packed in a plant-derived capsule which has been designed to keep the live bacteria in the probiotic alive (5). Keeping the bacteria in a probiotic alive is essential as the bacteria need to get the whole way to your large bowel and your gut is designed to kill bacteria.

Using a proven protective capsule to keep the bacteria alive means that the probiotics will meet your large bowel alive where they take action.

Seed probiotic review – can it reduce gut symptoms?

DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic contains 16 probiotic strains from well-researched species of bacteria in gut health, such as (1):

• Bifidobacterium
• Lactobacillus
• Lacticaseibacillus

This section will discuss and review what we know about some of the strains in the DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG

One study showed supplementing with probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to help diarrhoea and mixed type symptoms in IBS (6). This probiotic strain also showed a role in healthy gut barrier function (7).

Another research on Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG in a probiotic mixture showed the alleviation of IBS symptoms by 42 % (8).

Bifidobacterium breve SD-BR3-IT and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LP1-IT

These probiotic strains have been shown to relieve hard stools in those who have disorders which impact their ability to fully evacuate their bowel (9).

Bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP 

Bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP has been shown to increase bowel movement frequency in people with constipation (10). It has also been shown to improve the intestinal environment and to have a positive impact on stabilizing gut microbiota (11). 

Bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP in a mixture with Bifidobacterium infantis SD-M63-JP and one other Bifidobacterium strain also showed improvement in abdominal pain and quality of life in children with IBS (12).

Bifidobacterium infantis SD-M63-JP 

In a study, supplementation with Bifidobacterium infantis SD-M63-JP improved mental well-being in people with IBS. The improvement of supplementation with B. infantis SD-M63-JP is due to the restoration of gut microbiota and the impact on the gut-brain axis (13). 

Why does Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic Contain more than one probiotic strain?

Research favours multi-strain probiotics over single-strain probiotics, as multi-strain probiotics have shown to be more effective. Different probiotic strains have different roles in the gut, and when consumed together, they have synergistic effects on the gut microbiome (14, 15). 

Our microbiome is an active ecosystem comprising trillions of bacteria. Research suggests that multi-strain probiotics have a more significant effect on balancing the microbiome, which is essential for (16):

• immune modulation
• production of bioactive compounds (such as short fatty acids)
• dislocation of pathogens

Does Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic cause any adverse reactions?

No, the use of this supplement has shown no adverse reactions (1). 

There are also no known contraindications with medication, but it is advised to consult your general practitioner before implementing a new supplement (1).

Is Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic Vegan and Gluten Free?

Yes, Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic is gluten free and vegan (17). 

It is also (17):

• Soy-free
• Nut-free
• Sesame-free
• Corn-free 

How do you take Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic?

As per the manufacturer’s instructions, it is advised to take one capsule daily in the first three days. Then you can increase to the full dose, which is two capsules a day. You should take both capsules together, on an empty stomach, at least 10 minutes before the meal (1). 

The daily dose contains an effective amount that showed positive results in the research. You won’t get any additional benefits from higher amounts (1).

How Should I Store Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic?

Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic doesn’t have to be stored in the fridge – this is a huge bonus for travelling! (1). 

Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic should be stored in an oxygen tight container, which you get in the first month as a welcome kit. A sealed container prevents capsules from exposure to moisture as the bacteria are sensitive to humidity (1).

Probiotics and IBS

The British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines suggests that probiotics are one of the first-line treatments for people with IBS. Still, they do not recommend specific species or strains (18).

You can read a more indepth review about probiotics for IBS here.

Seed Probiotic Review for IBS

Currently, we have no data on whether Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic is beneficial for IBS patients, but the research on IBS-C and IBS-M patients is in progress.

There are clinical trials on the specific strains from Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic showing some promising outcomes, especially for patients dealing with constipation (9, 10). But we need that further research to confirm this impact on this specific formula before making claims.

Summary of Seed Probiotic Review

Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic is a supplement comprising 24 probiotic strains and a non-fermentable prebiotic. 

Probiotic strains in Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic have been well researched and have shown health benefits on digestive health, skin health, and cardiovascular health. 

In previous studies, specific strains from this supplement were efficient in helping diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, mental health, and more.

However, there is still no research on Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic and people with IBS, so we do not know whether the supplement’s formulation is effective.

Written by Barbara Lešnik, Student Dietitian, ​​reviewed by Bethany Willson, Specialist Gastroenterology Dietitian and Kirsten Jackson, Consultant Dietitian BSc Hons, RD, PG Cert.