Seed Probiotics – Persistence may not occur

I just got my ubiome results today. The sample was taken after one month on Seed Probiotics. I believe that the Seed Probiotics have made a significant positive impact on me, but the impact that I was most hoping for was seeing more lactobacillus AND bifidobacterium being reported.

See this update on the results after 2 months on Seed.

The answer is, it may.

For new readers, a ME/CFS flare was triggered by work stress around the 12 of March, 2019 — dramatic changes seen across my microbiome (separate posts on these). I am still recovering.

Sample readings

From the last sample (where I had stopped things that I should not have – sampled 04-30) until this time, we see a 10 fold increase in Lactobacillus, but not a single bifidobacterium has appeared. Akkermansia is often associated with these two, so I include it.

Not a single unit to be seen despite Seed having many species in it

I will be continuing on with Seed Probiotic and plan to do my next sample in 8 days. I am feeling better and ME/CFS symptoms are reducing — whether that is a natural recovery or impacted by Seed, is a matter for speculation.

Bottom Line

The evidence for Seed persisting is weak. Good evidence would have been both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to make significant improvement.

Personally, I am happy with it for the bacteriocins (natural antibiotics) appears to be in it. I discovered this the hard way. One night I forgot that I had taken 2 capsules an hour before and took a second dose. It was a rough night.

Some Comments from Facebook on this Post

We will see what next month’s numbers are like.

Vikram 9:42 pm on June 6, 2019

My uBiome report shows really high bifidocbacterium (more than 3x) but low lactobacillus. Since this increases lactobacillus alone, maybe it could help me?

I remember another CFS patient on here also reporting that his bifidocbacterium is high.
lassesen 10:03 pm on June 6, 2019

For better (more scientifific/documented) approach, go to:
http://microbiomeprescription.azurewebsites.net/labs/definition?key=T

And mark Bifido high and lacto low, the results show what will increase one and decrease the other…

lactobacillus plantarum (probiotics) Increase ; 4.8 2.4 7.2
lactobacillus casei (probiotics) Increase ; 1.2 4.8 6
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Increase ; 2.4 0 2.4
lactobacillus reuteri (probiotics) Increase ; 1.2 1.2 2.4
oligofructose (prebiotic)
MaximilianKohler 3:33 am on June 7, 2019

“I remember another CFS patient on here also reporting that his bifidocbacterium is high”

Might have been me. My lactobacillus was low too.

Regarding the “better, more scientific” approach, perhaps in comparison to taking the multi-strain Seed probiotic this is “better/more scientific”. But I think the most ideal current approach for increasing lactobacillus would be to start with the most studied lactobacillus strains (IE: Culturelle – without inulin), and either take them by themselves or pair them up with a prebiotic known to select for lactobacillus, like mushrooms.

Last I checked the recommendations were based on very old, very incomplete data. It’s also messing with genus and species levels, whereas strain level seems to be very important. The recommendation for “lactobacillus plantarum” for example, people will likely get significantly different results from different strains of plantarum. For example, L. Plantarum 299v is known to have laxative impacts. Such impacts are extremely harmful for me. The recommended “oligofructose (prebiotic)” also harms me.

I think the flaws with this approach have been shown recently by various commenters and by Lassesen himself worsening from following the recommendations. I think we’re many years away from this type of data-driven approach to be accurate.

Much of the current “ideal” approach is based on experimentation with different strains. I found a product with a specific L. Reuteri strain that seems beneficial for me, but it’s in a multi-strain product, and that is where much of the current problem lies. I would need to be able to separate each strain in that product and take each one by itself to figure out each’s impact, which isn’t currently possible.
Melissa Crabbe 9:36 am on June 7, 2019

Thanks so much for reporting on your progress, Ken!!!!!
Gen 4:09 pm on June 7, 2019

What symptoms have improved?

Is the symptom reduction rate quicker than previous flare ups?
lassesen 5:24 pm on June 7, 2019

Night sweats have largely disappeared. Longer periods of mild physical activity before warning signs of two much activity (hiccups — a family trait that my kids always have when they are over tired. Sweats (even on a cold morning with no jacket), lisp in speech appears. By longer, I mean has increased from about 11 minutes until just under 20 minutes.
Raghav 3:58 pm on June 9, 2019

I have been taking SEED probiotic 2 capsules in the morning on empty stomach for the past 6 days. From the 4th day onwards I have started getting constipated. But gas has come down very well. I dont know whether to continue or stop it.
- lassesen 7:01 am on June 10, 2019
  
  Take a few days off, then restart with just one for the first week would be my suggestion