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Who is Seed?
Seed Health is a microbiome science company pioneering innovations in probiotics and living medicines to impact human and planetary health. Founded to realize the potential of the microbiome, its platform enables the translation of breakthrough science across a portfolio targeting health outcomes from infancy to aging.
Its consumer innovations are commercialized under Seed® —an award-winning, science-first brand known for clinically validated innovations in probiotics.
Seed’s pipeline encompasses both indication-specific and proactive applications for gastrointestinal and digestive health, women’s health, skin, pediatrics, mental health, metabolic function, and nutrition. Its environmental research is conducted under SeedLabs, which was founded to advance novel bacterial interventions to enhance biodiversity and restore ecosystems impacted by human activity.
What is Seed’s DS-01®?
DS-01® is a synbiotic—meaning it combines both probiotics and a prebiotic—research-backed and formulated to support gastrointestinal health, skin health, heart health, gut-immune function, and gut-barrier integrity.
DS-01® is available via a monthly subscription.
Probiotics, in general, are transient microbes, which means they trigger both local and systemic benefits as they travel through the digestive tract, interacting with immune cells, gut cells, dietary nutrients, and existing microbes before eventually exiting the body.
Therefore, continuous, daily intake of DS-01® is critical for sustained health impact.
Is Seed’s DS-01® Worth It?
Yes, DS-01® is superior to other probiotics.
DS-01® is a broad-spectrum probiotic and prebiotic formulated with 24 probiotic strains (not commonly found in yogurt, supplements, or fermented foods and beverages) clinically and scientifically studied to promote whole-body benefits, including regularity, ease of bloating, gut-immune function, gut-barrier integrity, glowing skin, and heart health. Seed’s patented capsule-in-capsule ViaCap® technology is engineered to protect probiotic strains through digestion for precision release to the colon.
At $49.99 per month, it’s $1.67 per day (a bit more expensive than other probiotics), but Seed’s DS-01® is 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 systemic health.
Key Features of Seed’s DS-01®
Whole-body Health
Seed’s probiotic strain selection makes DS-01® a true daily all-in-one for your gut and whole-body health.
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.
Plant-Based, Non-Fermenting Prebiotic (FODMAP-diet Friendly)
DS-01®’s plant-based prebiotic is sourced from the fruit and 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 and good for anyone on a low-FODMAP diet, unlike most fiber-based prebiotics.
2-in-1 ViaCap® Capsule Technology
As living organisms, probiotics are fragile and sensitive to heat, oxygen, light, and moisture. Because of these vulnerabilities, Seed engineered ViaCap®, its patented capsule-in-capsule delivery system, to protect the probiotic strains from stomach acid, digestion enzymes, and bile salts for successful delivery to the colon, where the strains can begin to do their work.
This capsule-in-capsule system also works to protect the bacteria from extreme conditions outside your body, such as the shipping process and waiting in your mailbox in inclement weather. Even better, DS-01® does not require refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive, meaning you can easily take it with you on the go.
Seed’s outer capsule houses a unique plant-based prebiotic formulation that consists of punicalagins concentrated from Indian pomegranate. Unlike typical prebiotics, the prebiotic in DS-01® is non-fermenting, meaning it is designed to interact with specific gut bacteria to transform into beneficial compounds (like urolithins) that benefit metabolic and systemic health.
Validated Survivability
To evaluate DS-01®’s probiotic survivability and viability , Seed tests with a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®), the closest system developed to model human digestion and the gut.
SHIME® recreates the physiological conditions and biological processes (food uptake, digestive enzymes, pancreatic and bile acids, and time spent in each step) representative of the human gastrointestinal tract. In SHIME®, DS-01® demonstrated superior gastrointestinal survivability, withstanding harsh digestive conditions, for precision delivery of live probiotic bacteria to the lower intestine.
Superior Science
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 combined.
Two double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies evaluating the DS-01® formulation on gastrointestinal health have recently been completed: one under Investigational New Drug authorization from the FDA, and another under a Health Canada-approved protocol). This new data is anticipated to be published in high-impact scientific journals in mid-2024.
Clinical Trials
Seed believes the science of probiotics demands precision. Not only was the formulation developed using clinical and scientific research on each of the individual strains and prebiotic, the formulation as a whole is being studied in several gold-standard (double-blind randomized controlled) clinical trials. On their website, Seed shares more about the science behind their products and prioritizes transparency into the formula and research around their products
Dietary Compliance
DS-01® is tested for dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, shellfish, sesame, and all 14 classes of allergens defined by European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). DS-01® also adheres to the following diets—vegan, vegetarian, ketogenic, gluten free, and low-FODMAP.
DS-01® is also rigorously tested for all allergen classes including gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, shellfish, sesame, and corn.
A New Standard in Safety
Seed is creating a new standard for testing within the probiotic industry by doing extensive no-skip-lot testing at each step of the manufacturing process as well as on the final product. 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 after being manufactured and ensures the viability and potency of the final product so you know exactly what you’re taking.
DS-01® Formulation & Benefits
Formulated with 24 strains that are backed by over 20 clinical and mechanistic studies combined, DS-01® offers a diverse range of reliable, scientifically-validated benefits.
Seed’s patented ViaCap® technology further supports DS-01®’s efficacy by promoting the precise release of viable probiotic cells to the colon. This technology, along with FDA and Health Canada-approved clinical trials, exemplifies Seed’s dedication to delivering effective, high-quality probiotics.
There are several unique probiotic strains in DS-01® that are not found in common food and beverage sources that contain live cultures, such as yogurt or kombucha. Each probiotic strain is included in its research-derived dosage and the formulation was designed for both digestive and whole-body benefits.
Strain Diversity + Composition
DS-01® comprises 24 scientifically validated probiotic strains with a patented, non-fermenting prebiotic.
This breakthrough formulation is paired with innovations in probiotic stabilization and a precision-release system to deliver strains to the lower small intestine to support systemic benefits, including digestive, heart, skin, and gut health. It’s the only 24 strain probiotic + prebiotic on the market, and offers more strain diversity than most other probiotic formulations.
Shelf Stability and Expiration Date
Seed’s extensive stability testing confirms full potency for 18 months past manufacturing, over 10 days at constant 100°F exposure, and even two days at continuous 120°F exposure. Unlike many probiotics, this means refrigeration is not required and that DS-01® is able to withstand extreme temperatures on its way to you. Translation: What you see on the label is what you get.
However, Seed encourages storing your probiotics in the refillable glass jar included in your first purchase to maximize shelf-life and prevent damage from moisture.
DS-01® Cost
DS-01® is $49.99 per month. Shipping in the US is free, and international shipping is a flat rate of $10.
However, you can access free worldwide shipping if you enroll in Seed’s Sustainable Refill Program. This involves paying for 90-day refills that are billed every three months. You can also save 10% if you opt to have your refills delivered every 3 months, and save 15% if you opt to have them delivered every 6 months.
While the pricing for Seed is a bit higher than average, it is justified by the exceptional science, superior quality, high number of strains and best-in-class efficacy.