Seed Probiotic Review: What I noticed when I started using it AND stopped using it

Looking for a probiotic you can trust and that actually helps improve your gut? Seed is by far the best I’ve found and the only one I plan to purchase from now on. Here’s why. In addition to the science behind Seed Probiotics and how it’s improved my gut, I also really love the convenience. 

When you buy Seed, use this link with promo code TERI to get 15% off your first month of a subscription!

About five years ago, I was listening to a Rich Roll podcast about a probiotics company named Seed. I’ve been taking probiotics for years, but have always blindly shopped and brand hopped, never really sure if I was getting a “good” probiotic. After listening to the podcast, I immediately signed up for Seed monthly shipments. What struck me the most is how much research and data they have around their specific probiotic strains, something lacking with other brands.

I feel very confident that Seed is the best probiotic for me and it’s the same one I’ve been taking for five years. I’ll go into details about what a probiotic is, why you need one, and why I’m loyal to Seed. This video gives you a quick overview as well.

Introducing Seed Probiotics Daily Synbiotic

Seed’s probiotic is called the Daily Synbiotic. The science is complex, but essentially, most of the bacteria we carry around actually helps keep our bodies healthy. We’ve been told so much that we need to sanitize, bleach, and get germs off of everything. And yes, it’s wise to wash your hands and clean surfaces.

But, there are also many good strains of bacteria. Good bacteria help foster a healthy gut, microbiome, digestive system and immune system. And that’s where probiotics come into play.

Seed Probiotics Review

The Daily Synbiotic is a 2-in-1 capsule. It contains probiotic strains that deliver benefits to the gastrointestinal system which influences overall health.

• The inner capsule contains 24 clinically-studied strains of probiotics. These are strains not found in yogurt, most supplements or fermented foods and beverages. These strains are selected for strain-specific benefits.
• The outer capsule is a Prebiotic. It contains punicalagins, which comes from Indian pomegranate. The gut transforms the prebiotic outer capsule into powerful “metabolites” for the human body. The outer capsule contains the inner probiotic capsule.

What are metabolites? Basically, metabolites are like bacterial poop: the end product of what they metabolize. As bacteria do what they need to sustain themselves (e.g. their version of “eating”) they take bigger compounds and turn them into smaller compounds. So metabolites are simply small molecules and naturally formed as substances are broken down.

The Seed formula was developed by the Seed team in conjunction with scientists and doctors who are experts in the field of probiotics. Their Chief Scientist is Dr Gregor Reid, Ph.D., a world-renowned specialist in beneficial microbes. He serves as the Chair of the United Nations World Health Organization Expert Panel on Probiotics. And he led the group that authored the globally accepted definition of ‘probiotics’. Additionally, Seed has a Scientific Advisory Board, made up of male and female MDs and Ph.Ds. All of that to say, these are experts with serious backgrounds.

If you really want to dive deep into probiotics and the science behind them, read more here.

What Is A Synbiotic?

A Synbiotic is defined as a “combination of prebiotics and probiotics that together, promote gastrointestinal health by improving survival and adherence of live microbial dietary supplements”. In simpler terms, the idea behind synbiotics is that adding prebiotics to a probiotic supplement can help ensure the digestion-friendly microorganisms arrive in the gut alive and well. (Source)

2-in-1 Capsule Technology

The 2-in-1 probiotic capsule technology is resistant to stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile salts. In addition, it has a Chlorophyllin exterior to protect the strains from light. And the powder prebiotic suspension helps protect it from oxygen, moisture, and heat (all of which bacteria are sensitive to).

Can you believe how much science goes into all of this? So fascinating!

What are the benefits of Seed Daily Synbiotic?

Note: all of this information comes directly from Seed. I shared my personal experience below!

Gastrointestinal Health

• Supports digestive health
• Helps maintain regularity, ease bloating, and can alleviate occasional constipation
• Improves stool hydration, making bowel movements easier

Gut Barrier Integrity

• Helps maintain gut health barrier function and integrity

Gut Immune Function

• Supports healthy gut immune function and ‘cross-talk’ between immune and intestinal cells
• Increases production of short-chain fatty acids

Cardiovascular Health

• Promotes heart health
• Helps maintain blood cholesterol levels already in the normal range
• Supports healthy intestinal recycling of cholesterol and bile

Micronutrient Synthesis

• Supports folate (vitamin B9) production
• Supports intestinal synthesis of vitamin B12

Seed probiotics also support skin health.

The Science Behind Seed Daily Synbiotic

Seed Daily Synbiotic Formulation

Seed ds-01 daily synbiotic is made up of different probiotic blends to support different functions in the body:

• Digestive Health / Gastrointestinal Immunity / Gut Barrier Integrity Probiotic Blend – 37.0 Billion AFU
• Dermatological Health Probiotic Blend – 3.3 Billion AFU
• Cardiovascular Health Probiotic Blend – 5.25 Billion AFU
• Micronutrient Synthesis Probiotic Blend – 8.05 Billion AFU
• Microbiota-Accessible Prebiotic™ [MAP] Blend – 400 mg

The other ingredients included are:

• Acid-Resistant Vegan Outer (chlorophyllin) and Inner Capsules (hypromellose, fermented gellan gum, water)
• Organic rice fiber 
• Organic rice extract blend

Seed is a vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free probiotic and doesn’t contain soy, binders, or preservatives. It’s also free of the 14 classes of allergens identified by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies.

Note: A few years ago (May 2020), they made a minor update to the prebiotic blend in the Daily Synbiotic. Scandinavian chaga and pine bark were removed to allow for a higher dose of the primary prebiotic, punicalagin. I didn’t notice a difference at all in how my gut felt after that change.

My Honest Review of the Seed’s Daily Synbiotic

Like I mentioned in the intro, I’ve tried dozens and dozens of probiotics over the years. I first started taking probiotics about 7 years ago but never exactly knew how to buy a “good” one. So I’d go to the probiotics section at Whole Foods and buy whatever sounded like it had the “most” strains. Or, whatever was expensive. Or whatever happened to be on sale. Not exactly the most scientific approach, ha!

After learning more about Seed, I switched and haven’t gone back to any others. In fact, I’ve taken Seed probiotics for about 3 years now. I take two capsules a day on an empty stomach, so usually right as I wake up. So when someone asked, “is Seed Probiotic actually good?” I always say yes. It has been SO good, in my experience. 

Here’s what I noticed after taking them

Regular bowel movements and more quality BMs

Sorry, perhaps TMI but poop is super important y’all! And as someone who has struggled with digestive issues for over 20 years, this is a HUGE win in my book. Over time, things have improved even more. Seed can’t treat or cure any disease, but it’s certainly helped my irritable bowel, which is amazing.

Where’s what I noticed when I stopped taking them

After about a year, I stopped taking Seed because we moved (long story, but in short, we moved out of our current house and moved into our mountain condo until our new house was finished) and I wasn’t sure where to ship my subscription since timing was so up in the air so I just cancelled it.

After just a couple weeks without it, I noticed that I had more gas, was more constipated and when I was able to go to the bathroom, I had loose stools. So, I quickly signed back up for Seed and just dealt with all the address woes. Within a few weeks, things were back to normal.

Seed Probiotics FAQs

How long does Seed take to work?

Most people notice benefits (less bloating or more frequent bowel movements) within about 24-48 hours, since it has localized benefits. Some of the other benefits will take longer to “notice” and you may not notice any changes at all in terms of the benefits for cardiovascular health.

Seed Probiotic Side Effects

While I didn’t experience any negative side effects when I started taking Seed, some people have noted that they had some bloating, increased gas, loose stool, and headaches when they first started taking Seed. Typically, those things resolved after a short period, but it’s worth noting in case you experience the same thing.

How much does Seed cost?

You can only buy Seed probiotics online, but that’s a major perk for me. I like that the probiotics ship to me monthly so I don’t have to think to re-order. And I like their approach to sustainability, where they send refills for a green glass jar rather than entirely new containers each month. All of the packaging is compostable. It’s actually really cool – some of their packaging is made from mushrooms. Oh, and it’s completely shelf stable, so you don’t have to worry about that.

Your initial order comes like this, with a glass jar to hold your monthly refills. They also include a travel jar, which I love! While your order only includes a one months supply, they are shelf-stable for 18 months at temperatures up to 78?.

The cost is $49.99 a month, which breaks down to about $1.60 a day.

A little pricey, yes, but to me, your gut health far out ways a Starbucks coffee run. Since you purchase Seed as a monthly subscription, it’s also great to note that you can skip a month or cancel altogether at any time. I highly doubt you’ll want to, but if you do, it’s not an issue at all!

Oh, and shipping is free!

And then you just dump the refills into your jar! They come in a 30-day supply.

Where to buy Seed Probiotics

You can only by Seed from Seed.com. They are only available as a monthly subscription, which provides a 30 day supply each month. The shipping is free, which is a great bonus.

Is Seed Probiotics FDA approved?

The FDA actually recently authorized an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for DS-01™ (the Daily Synbiotic). This is an important milestone because it grants permission to begin clinical trials to investigate the safety and efficacy of a drug, food, or dietary supplement.

Is Seed pregnancy safe?

Quick note regarding pregnancy and Seed probiotics, since you can see my 24-week bump in the below photos. The Daily Synbiotic is safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. But they suggest you always check with your doctor before taking anything new, which I will second. It’s ALWAYS best to talk to you doctor before changing anything when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. You’re always better safe that sorry.

Fun company fact: Seed Co-Founders Ara and Raja were introduced when Ara was pregnant. Her journey through pregnancy and breastfeeding is part of what inspired their vision for Seed.

And as with pregnancy and breastfeeding, Seed is also safe to take with any other medications, whether prescription or over the counter. But it’s always best to check with a doctor if you’re unsure.

You can purchase Seed here! Use promo code TERI to get 15% off your first month!

All opinions are my own and I do receive an affiliate commission if you purchase Seed through my links. Before I was approved an affiliate, I completed an educational course on the science behind their probiotics. Also, I spent my own money buying Seed long before I applied to become an affiliate. Thank you for supporting my blog through the brands I support!