How do I recommend DS-01^® to my patients and can I stock it in-office?

We've partnered with Fullscript^® for direct delivery to your patients or convenient distribution from your office—click here.

If you're not yet a Fullscript^® member, creating an account is easy. For more details, click here.

If I prefer not to stock or dispense DS-01^® through Fullscript^®, how can I recommend it to my patients?

We’re happy to provide you with a unique discount code for your patients to use when purchasing through Seed.com directly. Simply email practitioners@seed.com and we will create a discount code to pass along to your patients.

Can I try DS-01^® before offering it to my patients?

Absolutely. We recognize that many practitioners prefer to personally experience a product before incorporating it into their patient care. We provide one month of DS-01^® for each practitioner in our community.  Simply provide some basic information here, and we'll be in touch about how you can request a free month of DS-01^®.

Who is DS-01^® recommended for?

We developed DS-01^® to deliver benefits in and beyond the gut to support the physiological systems essential to our whole-body health. Intended for use by adults 18 and older, DS-01^® contains a polyphenol-based prebiotic and 24 distinct probiotic strains to support:

Gastrointestinal-Related Health*

• Digestive Health*^1–4

  • Promotes healthy regularity and stool quality* 

  • Provides relief from occasional digestive discomfort, bloating, and intermittent constipation*

• Gut Barrier Integrity*^5–7

  • Supports gut barrier recovery and integrity of the intestinal barrier*

  • Reinforces healthy tight junction function in vitro*

• Gut-Immune Axis*^4–6,8-11

  • Supports healthy gut-immune function and responses to occasional GI and environmental stressors*

• Gut Microbial Balance*^6,10,11,12

  • Encourages stability and diversity within the gut microbiota*

  • Supports optimal gut bacteria levels* 

  • Promotes a healthy microbial environment in the gut*

  • Contributes to a healthy gut ecology*

• Gut Metabolite Balance*^2,3,13-14

  • Supports healthy gut metabolite balance* 

  • Supports healthy stool quality* 

  • Promotes healthy stool consistency*

Dermatological Health*^5,15–17

• Reinforces healthy gut-skin axis to promote clear skin for improved comfort and appearance*

• May help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles* 

• Promotes smooth, healthy skin* 

Cardiovascular Health*^18–20

• Supports healthy lipid metabolism*

• Promotes an optimal balance between good and bad cholesterol*

Micronutrient Synthesis*^21–24

• Supports folate (vitamin B9) production via synthesis of bioactive forms of folate*

• Supports synthesis of certain B vitamins involved in methyl group metabolism*

How should my patients take DS-01^®?

The clinically validated dose is two DS-01^® capsules daily, preferably on an empty stomach. This helps minimize interactions with digestive enzymes and bile salts. Emphasize the importance of consistent, daily consumption to optimize the benefits of DS-01^®.

Contrary to common belief, probiotics (and synbiotics) like DS-01^® do not need to colonize the gut to be effective. While they don't typically colonize or proliferate in the gut of healthy individuals, probiotics are transient microbes that interact beneficially with immune and gut cells, dietary nutrients, and existing gut bacteria during their passage through the digestive system. Their efficacy relies on the specific strains and doses used and the transient nature of probiotics like DS-01^® underscores the need for continuous, daily intake to maintain its health benefits.

Just as with any new diet, product, or change, your patient(s) may experience a temporary acclimation period—some gastrointestinal discomfort, abdominal tightness, mild nausea, or changes in their stool. This is a normal and anticipated effect.

In fact, an immediate physiological reaction is a sign that our probiotics are viable and attuning to your patient’s system. Any discomfort should subside within the first one to two weeks of consistent use.

As your patient begins DS-01^®, we suggest this acclimation protocol:

Take one capsule daily for the first three days. On day four (or when your patient is ready), increase to the full dosage of two capsules.

How long should my patients take DS-01^®?

While long-term use of probiotics is generally considered safe, the duration for taking DS-01^® should be tailored to each patient's individual needs, health goals, and their response.

It's important to note that probiotic organisms, including those in DS-01^®, are transient, meaning their benefits persist only as long as they are being consumed. With this in mind these benefits may diminish a few days to weeks after discontinuation.

Probiotics, like those in DS-01^®, introduce transient microbes into the gut. These microbes interact with immune cells, gut cells, dietary nutrients, and existing bacteria to produce beneficial metabolites and effects. While (in healthy individuals) the microbes don’t significantly alter the overall composition of the gut's microbiota, their presence and activity during transit through the digestive system can confer various health benefits.

What kinds of experiences or effects can my patients expect from DS-01^®, and over what timeframe?

DS-01^® is formulated and designed to deliver core benefits across digestive health, gut barrier integrity, immune health, dermatological health, cardiovascular health, and micronutrient synthesis.

That said, everybody is physiologically unique and thus the exact response to DS-01^® will vary with each individual, as does the timeline for experiencing its effects.

Commonly noticed benefits, such as reduced bloating or more regular bowel movements, may appear for some within 24–48 hours, particularly due to localized improvements in digestive function. For others, these effects might emerge over a few weeks as their bodies adjust.

During the initial phase, some individuals might go through an 'acclimation' period, experiencing temporary changes in bowel movement regularity. However, these usually normalize and become more consistent with continued use.

DS-01^®'s effectiveness is grounded in its capacity to facilitate beneficial alterations throughout the body's ecosystem, with some impacts being subtle and not immediately observable. Some benefits of DS-01^®, like increased production of short-chain fatty acids or enhanced gut barrier function, may take longer to manifest. Despite this, DS-01^® offers a spectrum of clinically studied benefits impacting gastrointestinal, immune, cardiovascular, dermatological, and overall systemic health. Consistent daily intake ensures that these beneficial microbes continue to work internally, fostering and sustaining your patient’s health through a multitude of clinically validated mechanisms.

Is DS-01^® compatible with various diets or dietary restrictions?

DS-01^® is compatible with a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions, including ketogenic, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and FODMAP diets. DS-01^® is non-GMO and free from preservatives, binders, and synthetic flow agents.

In addition, we test DS-01^® above and beyond the nine major allergens defined by the FDA. DS-01^® tests below the ED01 (the most accurate method for determining allergenicity, based on clinical evidence) for over 20 of the most common allergens including all classes as defined by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) such as: gluten, egg, fish, soy, milk, peanut, almond, hazelnut, walnut, cashew, pecan, Brazil nut, pistachio, macadamia, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphites, lupin, and shellfish (crustaceans, molluscs).

What third-party testing does DS-01^® undergo?

As part of our mission to create a new standard in probiotics, DS-01^® undergoes extensive and frequent third-party testing, which includes: flow cytometry to measure and enumerate viable cells; survivability testing to validate probiotic survival through digestive conditions; heat and humidity testing to mimic the most extreme conditions our product may encounter during shipping and storage; and over 50 quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checkpoints.

To validate survivability, Seed tests with the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®)—the closest system developed to model human digestion and the gut. This simulator recreates the physiological conditions and biological processes (food uptake, peristalsis, pancreatic and digestive enzymes, bile acids, and time spent in each step) representative of the human gastrointestinal tract.

The final product is tested for 500 different pesticides (including glyphosate) and over 20 of the most common allergens including all classes as defined by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Our probiotic strains have GRAS and/or QPS status, which designates them as safe for consumption by the United States and European Union, respectively.

We monitor purity under both U.S. and European protocols (including cGMP + HACCP) throughout the production cycle with lot-to-lot (no skip-lot) testing. This means we extensively test each ingredient batch prior to encapsulation, and each batch after manufacture.

In addition to the highest standards of quality assurance and quality control testing, DS-01^® is among the first probiotics to undergo whole-genome testing, which uses shotgun sequencing techniques to provide a highly accurate verification of which probiotic strains are present and to ensure there are no antibiotic-resistant genes. This is incredibly important to ensure quality, purity, and strain specificity.

Are there any contraindications for use?

Condition-Related Contraindications

DS-01^® is not formulated for use in adults under 18 years of age. As research indicates that probiotics pose no serious safety concerns, there are no documented condition-related contraindications. Close monitoring and extra caution should be exercised for individuals with a diagnosed medical condition, especially those affecting the gastrointestinal system such as short bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).*

Medication-Related Contraindications

There are no documented contraindications with DS-01^®; therefore, it would be generally safe to take alongside any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

To note—some medications and/or supplements have either mild antimicrobial or laxating effects. With medications that promote laxation, it is possible DS-01^® capsules may eject too quickly or could remain partially intact in the stool. Also, since probiotics are live microbes, they can be impacted by substances which have off-target or demonstrated antimicrobial effects, depending on the spectrum and strength.*

To be prudent, you could try advising patients on separating their intake of medications from DS-01^® as far apart as is feasible (i.e., DS-01^® capsules first thing in the morning, and the other medicines along with their meals, or whichever routine you prescribe as their practitioner).

How frequently does DS-01^® undergo third-party testing?

DS-01^® undergoes extensive lot-to-lot testing (meaning each batch, no skip-lot) at third-party accredited laboratories throughout each step of the manufacturing process, as well as on the final product to assess potency, purity and contaminants. The final product is rigorously tested for over 50 quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checkpoints, 500+ unique pesticides (including AMPA and glyphosate), and over 20 allergens defined by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). This testing also includes heat and humidity testing to mimic the most extreme conditions our product may encounter during shipping.

Can patients with allergies take DS-01^®?

We conduct comprehensive allergen testing on all of our products. Our allergen panel includes over 20 of the most common allergens, including all 14 classes of allergens as defined by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). This panel extends well beyond the minimum 9 allergens required to test by the FDA.

The following allergens are tested for in all of our consumer products—

• Almond Allergen

• Brazil Nut Allergen

• Cashew Allergen

• Celery Allergen

• Corn Allergen

• Crustacean Allergen

• Gluten Allergen [across barley, rye, oats + wheat] (wheat protein)

• Egg Allergen

• Fish Allergen

• Hazelnut Allergen

• Lupin Allergen

• Macadamia Nut Allergen

• Milk Allergen

• Molluscs Allergen

• Mustard Allergen

• Peanut Allergen

• Pecan Allergen

• Pistachio Allergen

• Sesame Allergen

• Soy Allergen

• Sulfiting Agents

• Walnut Allergen

The frame of reference we use when testing allergens in our product is called the “Eliciting Dose” or ED01. The ED01 is the eliciting dose required to produce an objective [allergic] response in 1% of the allergic population. This is the most accurate method for determining allergenicity, based on clinical evidence. All allergens we test for are below the ED01 and therefore considered to be safe for those with allergies to the tested-for allergens.

Is DS-01^® safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Probiotics, in general, do not appear to pose any safety concerns for pregnant and lactating individuals. The current literature does not indicate an increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes when probiotics are used by healthy individuals.¹

As with any dietary supplement or new health protocol contemplated during pregnancy or lactation, we recommend patients consult with their obstetrician or practitioner before they start consuming DS-01^®.

What scientific validation supports DS-01^®?

We developed DS-01^® from a deep understanding of the complex interactions within the microbiome. Our body of research begins with our strain selection, extends to our delivery technology, establishes the clinically validated benefits in and beyond the gut, and reaches into expanded clinical application with our ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Strain Selection

We selected DS-01^® strains based on robust clinical and mechanistic research, and preserved the research-derived dose of each strain in our product. Further, we ensured that the full dosage of live and active bacteria was delivered at or above label claim throughout the entire shelf life and under even the most destructive shipping temperatures. We used microbial genomics to assess and analyze each strain for features or attributes of interest. DS-01^® maximizes genetic redundancy and non-redundancy to synergize functional benefits of the whole composition and optimize for genetic profiles to support specific strains within the microbiome and human host.

SHIME® Survivability Validation

To validate survivability, we tested with a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®)—the closest system developed to model human digestion and the gut. It recreates the physiological conditions and biological processes (food uptake, peristalsis, pancreatic and digestive enzymes, bile acids, and time spent in each step) representative of the human gastrointestinal tract. DS-01^® demonstrates exceptional gastrointestinal survivability and delivers 50X viable probiotic cells at the time of consumption compared to industry standard.

Clinically Validated Strain-Specific Benefits

DS-01^®’s probiotic strains exert their effects and benefits through a multitude of mechanisms. Here we’ve distilled the research into benefit categories, and highlighted the clinical findings you will find relevant for use in your practice.

Digestive Health*^1–4

DS-01^® provides relief from occasional digestive discomfort, bloating, and intermittent constipation. In a 30-day DBRCT the probiotic cohort also experienced improvements in abdominal bloating, sense of complete emptying, anal itching, burning, and discomfort.*

Gut Barrier Integrity*^5–7

DS-01^® supports integrity of the intestinal barrier and reinforces healthy tight junctions in vitro.* In a 12-week DBRCT the probiotic group experienced significant reductions in circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a marker of increased epithelial permeability, the effect continued two months after cessation of the intervention.*

Gut-Immune Axis*^4–6,8–11

DS-01^® supports healthy gut-immune function and responses to occasional GI stressors. In a 12-week DBRCT participants showed a reduction in microbial translocation across the intestinal epithelial barrier and favorable circulating Th17:Treg and Th1:Th2 ratios. These findings indicate an appropriately responsive immunologic profile.*

Dermatological Health*^5,12–14

DS-01^® reinforces a healthy gut-skin axis to promote clear skin for improved comfort and appearance* In a 12-week DBRCT with adults experiencing functionally and aesthetically bothersome skin, individuals showed smoother, clearer, healthier-appearing skin compared to the placebo group.*

Cardiovascular Health*^15–17

DS-01^® supports healthy lipid metabolism, and an optimal balance between good and bad cholesterol. In a 12-week DBRCT with healthy participants, the probiotic group maintained normal LDL-C baseline levels, while those in the placebo group experienced an increase in LDL-C. The probiotic group had a statistically significant reinforcement of HDL cholesterol.*

Micronutrient Synthesis*^18–21

DS-01^® supports intestinal synthesis of B-vitamins involved in methyl group metabolism, including folate. In a 30-day, randomized comparison trial with healthy adults, participants showed a higher concentration of folate in their feces than participants taking other probiotic strains selected for their de novo folate synthesizing capabilities.*

What additional clinical trials are being conducted on DS-01^®?

We’ve completed three double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials with DS-01^®.^22-24 One completed trial assessed the effects of DS-01^® on the reconstitution of gut microbial communities in healthy adults following a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics (NCT04171466).²² Another completed trial, run with an Investigational New Drug application by Dr. Anthony Lembo of Harvard University, assessed the effects of DS-01^® in individuals with functional digestive symptoms and abdominal discomfort (NCT04598295).²³ The third assessed DS-01^® on the improvement of quantitative quality of life metrics (NCT06009614).²⁴ These manuscripts are being finalized and will be shared upon publication.

Why do you measure in AFU vs. CFU count?

At Seed, we measure viable cell count in AFU or Active Fluorescent Units. It’s an advanced measurement that offers us a more precise view of the number of living and active microorganisms in a sample. Most probiotics on the market today use CFU (Colony Forming Units), a classical spot-plating method to enumerate cell count. AFU and CFU are two separate measurements, so there isn’t a direct way to convert one to the other. While CFU technique has been in use since the 1800s, and remains the industry standard, CFU is not an exact science. It can vary widely between batch lots, and it is ineffective for multi-strain probiotics, as different strains of bacteria require different growth media. Today, the use of flow cytometry and its unit of measure (AFU) not only allows us to determine viable cell counts, but also allows us to collectively  quantify all organisms in a complex community or multi-species, multi-strain formulation. (For more on flow cytometry, see ‘Can you explain flow cytometry?’ below.)

Can you explain Flow Cytometry?

AFU (see ‘Why do you measure in AFU vs. CFU count?’ above) is measured with flow cytometry, a process where probiotic cells are tagged with fluorescent “markers” and counted by a laser as they pass through a tube. Through AFU, we are able to calculate precise measurements of all viable cells, including ones that are efficacious, but not necessarily culturable (and therefore would not be counted in a traditional plated CFU measurement).

Today, the use of flow cytometry and its unit of measure (AFU) not only allows us to determine viable cell counts, but also allows us to collectively quantify all organisms in a complex community or multi-species, multi-strain formulation.

What research informs the dosages of probiotic strains in DS-01^®?

We formulated DS-01^® in alignment with the clinically and scientifically studied doses of the probiotic strains. A total of 10 clinical and 14 pre-clinical trials support the benefits, mechanisms, and provide rationale for the dosages found in DS-01^®.

What is Biofermentation?

Biofermentation is the metabolic process by which microorganisms, including bacteria, grow and replicate by breaking down complex materials to create a metabolic ‘pool’ by which new cell material is created. This process can often be applied to the use of microbial cultures to produce a specific molecule or ingredient (e.g. vitamins or amino acids); or to transform a starting material into something valuable (e.g. a fermented yogurt with added B12). When performing this process, we optimize conditions for several factors–including growth medium components, pH, strain purity, and temperature.

What is the ViaCap^® technology?

We developed a proprietary 2-in-1 capsule delivery system, ViaCap^®, which nests an inner probiotic capsule inside an outer capsule containing a non-fermenting prebiotic. This system provides exceptional stability throughout full shelf-life and safeguards against digestion (stomach acid, digestive enzyme, and bile salts).

The ViaCap^® is vegan with no synthetic or enteric coating which is most often developed using chemical derivatives such as methacrylate.

Backed by SHIME® (The Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem), ViaCap^® demonstrates precise release of live probiotic bacteria to the end of the small intestine for full delivery to the colon—where it matters most.