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Looking for Seed’s Probiotic Reviews? Read This!

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanJun 9, 2023 | 49 comments

 

Seed’s DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic is a  2-in-1 probiotic + prebiotic that caught my eye for a few reasons: the science behind the formulation, the ingredients, and if I'm being totally honest, the packaging. (It's gorgeous! And it turns out Seed has thought a lot about sustainability in its packaging, too.)

If you aren't familiar, DS-01™ is $49.99 a month, and Seed offers a 30-day risk-free guarantee. You can also save 15% off your first month with coupon code MYSUB15.

I've been taking it for over 60 days now, so I wanted to give you my honest take on this synbiotic subscription, what you should expect, and if I think it's worth it.

What I am looking for: A gentle, allergen-free probiotic. 

First, I should give you some context on what I'm looking for in a probiotic supplement. I have a super sensitive stomach, so a probiotic that can support my gut health is the dream, but of course, trying out different probiotics can actually upset my stomach, so finding the perfect one is quite the challenge.

I'm also intolerant to gluten and dairy, so in addition to needing a probiotic that would be gentle on my stomach, I also needed an allergen-free one. I have tried multiple probiotics over the years (ranging from super pricey ones to relatively inexpensive probiotics from Nature Made) and hadn't found one I loved enough to keep ordering.

Basically, my digestive system and body are pretty high-maintenance when it comes to any type of supplement. I am a challenge when it comes to vitamins/probiotics/and just about anything else. And while everyone's body is different, I'm hoping that if a supplement doesn't upset my stomach, it's a good indicator that it should be gentle enough for most people.

It’s also important to note that their final product is tested for mycotoxins, 420 different pesticides (including glyphosate and its breakdown product, AMPA), and 14 of the most common allergens as defined by the EFSA. Their naturally occurring probiotics strains have GRAS and/or QPS status, which designates them as safe for consumption by the United States and European Union, respectively. Additionally, they monitor purity under both US and European protocols (including cGMP + HACCP) throughout the production cycle with no skip-lot testing (this means, they test each ingredient batch prior to encapsulation and each batch after manufacture).

Now, let's open the box, and let me walk you through what you should expect in your first shipment:

First, let's talk about the lovely (and sustainable) packaging. DS-01™ comes in a frosted green glass jar. And the capsules even coordinate:

In addition to the standard-sized jar, you also get a mini tube of a jar for travel:

This should hold at least a week's worth of doses. After this initial shipment, you'll receive your refills in a slim mailer to restock the jars - again, they are doing their best to minimize packaging and keep things sustainable. The refill comes in a home-compostable safe biofilm pouch, which is made with bio-based materials for oxygen and moisture protection and is protected by a water-dissolvable, corn-based barrier foam. I never thought I'd say this about figuring out how to properly recycle/dispose of packaging - but dissolving the corn foam was fun!

Also, see that biodegradable algae paper tray keeping the jars in place? It's made from algae that would otherwise damage fragile marine ecosystems. (Check out all the details on their packaging here.)

OK, now onto the actual supplement!

Can you see the second capsule inside the outer green capsule? Seed uses a 2-in-1 capsule known as the ViaCapⓇ to protect against stomach acid and digestive enzymes to ensure that the probiotic makes it to your colon, alive. (The outer capsule houses the prebiotic, and the inner capsule houses the probiotic.)

Here are the basics of this formulation:

DS-01™ combines 24 clinically and scientifically studied probiotic strains with a new class of patented plant-based, non-fermenting prebiotics sourced and concentrated from Indian pomegranate punicalagins and ellagitannins. While digestive health was certainly top of mind in formulating DS-01™ —this product takes a systemic approach with clinically and scientifically studied strain-specific benefits beyond the gastrointestinal system—including cardiovascular health, micronutrient synthesis, and skin health. Lastly, DS-01™ undergoes extensive testing including whole-genome sequencing (to characterize probiotics down to the strain level), human-simulated survivability testing to ensure that the probiotics survive the trip through your GI tract, and heat/humidity testing to mimic the most extreme conditions the product may encounter during shipping.

My experience trying DS-01™

I started the first few days taking only one capsule (per Seed's instructions) and went up to the full dose of 2 capsules on the 4th day. I experienced no stomach discomfort even in that first week, (PHEW!), and it has easily become part of my morning routine pre-coffee. (Seed recommends taking DS-01™ on an empty stomach.) The capsules have no taste, so they are easy to swallow with just water.

Any difference after 2 months?

DS-01™ is supposed to help support skin health, gastrointestinal health, gut barrier integrity, heart health, gut immune function, and micronutrient synthesis.

Can I notice these differences? Honestly, for most of them, it is tough to say for certain, and in cases where I do think I've seen benefits, I can't always isolate the contributing factor(s). For example, I think my skin appears clearer and smoother, but I'm also taking collagen supplements and always trying out different skincare beauty products thanks to subscription boxes. So it could be a combination of those things + DS-01™, it could be just DS-01™, not DS-01™ at all, etc.

One thing I do feel relatively confident I can attribute to DS-01™ is the ease of bloating — I can notice a big difference! And that's a big deal for me. I also feel like anything I can do to promote my gut health is going to be very beneficial to my long-term health, so even if this was the only benefit from DS-01™, that's more than enough for me.

Do I recommend DS-01™?

Honestly, if you already have an inexpensive probiotic that is working well for your needs, I'm not sure you need to upgrade. But if you haven't found the right formula for your body yet, I definitely would recommend trying it. (They offer a 30-day risk-free guarantee, too, so that should give you enough time to see if it's a good fit for you, and if it isn't, just get a refund.)

Personally, I'm very impressed by the research and care that has gone into every aspect of making this product (including the packaging). I also appreciate that synbiotics are all they do. Unlike other supplement companies that can have a large range of vitamins, probiotics, supplements, etc., Seed is focused on making the best probiotic + prebiotic possible.

For now, I'm happy with the results, I'm continuing my subscription, and I'm probably going to end up signing my husband up for a subscription, too.

If you're interested in trying DS-01™, learn more about it here. And save 15% off your first month with coupon code MYSUB15.

Interested In Seeing More Seed's Probiotic Reviews? Read This

Want another opinion? Here are a few reviews left by our MSA readers on Seed probiotics:

I discovered this through FabFitFun and decided to give it a go. Note: I think I’ve tried every single brand in existence for the past 15 years – okay maybe not all – but a ton. I’ve been taking this for 13 months and I’ll never go without it as long as it continues to be this effective. And when I say this effective – the big big deal for me is that I have been able to stop taking claritin (antihistamine) every single day. My allergies have always been horrible and I hated having to take Claritin daily. I didn’t go into purchasing this thinking that it would solve that issue but a terrific added bonus. It doesn’t upset my stomach or cause other issues. - Kristina

I have been diagnosed with a very serious autoimmune disease and became constipated due to it (never had that problem). However, I always had an issue with bowel movements that were on the runny side (sorry tmi). After a month of seed-no constipation issues WHATSOEVER. And bowel movements are perfect. I didn’t change anything else. I am so happy with this product. Got two other friends to try it-and they said that their constipation issues also subsided and they have better bowel movements. - Devorah

I’ve suffered from Seborrheic dermatitis since a kid, I’ve been taking Seed for 3 months and my face is completely clear! I haven’t had a flare up in 3 months. - Patrick

I’ve taken Seed for a year now. I started taking it because I have rosacea. I wanted to see if it would improve my gut health. So last year my gut health was very very bad. I was Flush red after every meal. Even just basic meals. Just chicken and salad (no tomatoes). So I knew if I took something that it would take about a year to see any kind of results. So as of today, my gut health is better but it’s not the best. I’m able to eat more things than before but not everything. I dont think that it helps me with bloating or bowel movements. I just take it because something is better than nothing. I was going to stop taking it to see if there is a difference next month. But overall, I FEEL good about the product. I really like that it’s a symbiotic and that I know specifically which probiotics I’m ingesting. I’m just staying positive because honestly it’s the only product they has made a small difference and that’s ok with me. - Jasmine

This brand is AWESOME! My husband is off his stomach medicine after 2 months of using Seed, and we both have had major digestive health improvements. - Jane

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"Seed’s Daily Synbiotic combines 24 clinically-studied, naturally-occurring probiotics strains (not found in yogurt, most supplements, or fermented foods and beverages) with a new class of non-fermenting prebiotic compounds (built around a patented whole fruit extract) sourced from Indian pomegranat... read more.
Liz Cadman
Liz Cadman
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

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49 comments

Nan

I just took one capsule of “seed probiotics” 4 days ago 5/27/22 in late morning. By 1pm I started to have a bit of stomach discomfort. By 11pm the pain was excruciating so much that I fainted. The pain was in my stomach and slightly to my back left side. This unbelievable pain lasted all through the night like spasms coming and going every 10 minutes. I used a heating pad and took ibuprofen every 4 hours. It helped but not enough. I will NEVER EVER take this stuff again!!! So BEWARE. Some people seem to be fine with this stuff, but not me. I take NO scripts, very healthy @ 66, 5’7” @ 125 lbs and exercise regularly. This is the only thing I took out of the ordinary of my daily food intake so it had to be the culprit.

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Tami Bregman

I want to cancel my monthly subscription
Gives me stomach pain
I have written to them and they don’t answer
My credit card is being charged
Any advice?

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KS

I cannot order seed as the site is shown as not secure (no green check mark) Is there a secure site in Canada to order this product?

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Eileen Skillen

I have my Seed probiotics sent to me direct from California. They always arrive two weeks before I run out. They are expensive, but have been giving me much less problems with my gut for over a year and a half.

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Kristina

I discovered this through FabFitFun and decided to give it a go. Note: I think I’ve tried every single brand in existence for the past 15 years – okay maybe not all – but a ton. I’ve been taking this for 13 months and I’ll never go without it as long as it continues to be this effective. And when I say this effective – the big big deal for me is that I have been able to stop taking claritin (antihistamine) every single day. My allergies have always been horrible and I hated having to take Claritin daily. I didn’t go into purchasing this thinking that it would solve that issue but a terrific added bonus. It doesn’t upset my stomach or cause other issues.

Now, ny husband – he can’t tolerate it.he ended up in the bathroom a lot 🙂 so he’s trying something else.

Customer service: yes – that could be improved. Because my husband has almost a full bottle left, I asked them to skip the next shipment. They didn’t stop it in time and I was ticked. They refunded me the $$,apologized, and I got a free bottle out of it.

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Larry

After doing significant research on this company I am appalled at their lack of customer service. They raised $350m dollars and they don’t have anyone to answer the phone or get back to you? I did not want a subscription. Naturally they overcharged me and just kept sending me product and charging me. I have been in the natural formulation business for 15 years. This company is smoke and mirrors. I am saddened I was fooled by their sleek packaging. Spend money on customer service guys. You failed.

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Bel

I’m in agreement with what you wrote here, as I have also received appalling customer service. I emailed the company to request for assistance with a subscription and did not receive a response until a month later. When they did respond to me, they activated my subscription without confirming first, and I was immediately charged for the subscription the soon after. They have declined to process a refund for me, but I hope my experience serves as a cautionary tale for everyone.

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Jenny

Thanks for your honest and thoughtful review. I’m appreciating all of the comments.

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Josh

Taking SEED caused a blockage in my small intestine. My doctor at Emory is almost certain that this was the root cause of my blockage. He is filing a complaint and report with the FDA and my attorney is looking at options to hold SEED accountable. When I contacted Seed with all my doctors findings and my 6 night stay in the hospital bill, they were very rude and quit responding to me. DO NOT USE SEED…. IT IS BAD.

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Nancy

I have acid reflux and take pantoprazole every morning on an empty stomach. Wondering how long I should wait after taking the medicine before taking Seed capsules. Anyone else have this issue? I am really hoping this works for my digestive and bloating issues.

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Ara Bagdasarian

Nancy do you eat fermented foods. Ibought expensive pickles half sour dough from Publix and eat yogurt 5 tablespoonfuls everyday. Stonyfield Probiotic plain yogurt. Also look into Sabine Hazine that who I got idea for fermented foods saurkrat, kefir. Read Sabine Hazen book it’s all about your gut biome.

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Val

I took Seed for a month and it really did help with constipation. I found that I only needed one capsule in the morning. I found it more effective than other probiotics but reading the other comments I’m not sure if I want to continue. I’ve gone through 60 capsules and was going to re-order. Something doesn’t feel quite right with this brand though. Customer service are not good at all. The jury is out on this one – it definitely helps with daily bowel movements but I’m not sure if it is doing any damage long-term to gut health.

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Juan Perez

Do they have a kids version or is this safe for kids ??

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gentjana Macmillan

I’ve been taking seed for almost a year. I had no previous stomach problems besides a occasional reflux. Lately I’ve been having a lot of reflux so I thought I’ll stop seed and try a different probiotics. From that point on my stomach issues have gotten so bad I can’t sleep at night. I think seed was helping some part of my stomach like the bowel movement but destroyed some other parts like my acid production. At this point 2 months after have stopped seed I’m still in bad condition and don’t know what is it from. I’m getting colonoscopy to see what has happened. I think seed is like something that gets your body depending on it if used for a long time. Don’t trust it.

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devorah

I have been diagnosed with a very serious autoimmune disease and became constipated due to it (never had that problem). However, I always had an issue with bowel movements that were on the runny side (sorry tmi). After a month of seed-no constipation issues WHATSOEVER. And bowel movements are perfect. I didn’t change anything else. I am so happy with this product. Got two other friends to try it-and they said that their constipation issues also subsided and they have better bowel movements.

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DeeLee

How long did it take to have normal BM’s. I have only being taking it for 4 days so I am hoping to see results soon.

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John

Company has to work out alot of kinks. Before you pay the high monthly fee, know that they aren’t reliable in sending probiotic. I’m on my second month and been waiting 9 days so far to get my second shipment. At this point I’m goign to have to go through transition all over again. Customer service didn’t seem to care. I’d try someone else. Company with slick marketing who doesn’t seem focused on retention.

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Sebastien

I recently ordered this because I was very impressed with the science/research that the company has done. The last line of this article says, “For now, I’m happy with the results, I’m continuing my subscription, and I’m probably going to end up signing my husband up for the men’s version, too.” As far as I can tell this company has one product. It is not gender specific. Am I missing something?

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Shirazali Karim

I was wondering if the ingredients include L-gasseri. Thank you.

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Bunny

I started SEED in October and ramped up according to instructions. I take it when I wake up in the middle of the night, 3am or so. Then I take my thyroid medication when I get up, around 6am.

Lately after I’ve taken SEED my stomach aches, like Liz I’m a delicate and complicated one!

Myy stomach is aching throughout the day and I feel like I’ve now got a chronic indigestion which is new for me. My thyroid medication has not changed.

I plan to stop taking SEED for a week to see if it’s the culprit. Who knows, with me it could be anything! But it is weird that after a few months of SEED I don’t feel good.

I wrote to them hours ago asking to suspend my subscription and they’ve not gotten back to me. In the past they were quick as bunnies at replying.

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Jennifer

Hello, I too have been taking seed and had to stop: reason one, my thyroid medication does not work along with seed probiotics, the second issue being I have IBS as an underlining issue? After me taking seed probiotics for three weeks I broke out into hives all over my body (small tiny blisters all over causing pain and me to itch like crazy). I talked to my doctor and she said that I was allergic and I needed to stop. She prescribed me medication with a topical cream but this didn’t even cut the pain. If you take thyroid medication Its best to get an opinion as to what probiotic is best for you.

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Julie

Curious to hear what you’ve discovered? I just started Seed and also take Synthroid (thyroid meds). I have been taking Seed right before bed, about 5 hours after dinner. I too have a “tender tummy”…so far so good.

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Natasha

The product is just okay. The customer service of Seed is awful! I subscribed for nearly a year and then shipments started being shipped later and later. The latest shipment was shipped 10 days after I ran out. Not worth it.

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RJ

Agreed! Absolute worse customer service. Late deliveries, unable to reach anyone. Nightmare. Thinking of cancelling my subscription because of this.

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Molly

I want to know how anything funded by Bill Gates can be of any benefit other than ultimately to him. And I note that all the review pages are funded reviews – lack of independence. No thanks.

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Priscilla Bengtson

Yes please share proof that Bill Gates has funded this company. I have some of this probiotic on the way, and I would send it back in a heartbeat if I knew this was true!

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Gina

Do you know for sure if Seed is funded by Gates? Can you share a link?

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Marie

Bill Gates doesn’t own this company. He’s also pledged to give away 95% of his income to research and development.

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Chris

The giving pledge is a big joke – the money goes in own foundations. The giving person legally does not own the money anymore, but controls it fully and has enormous tax benefits.

Bj

Omg Bill Gates has how many homes..and one of the biggest boats ever built…been hiding at his estate in France since the virus….so much for saying he is giving his money away…no way spending it….💕🐾🐈😂😂😂😂..but telling us how great he is to third world countries….😂😂😂😂😂😂…maybe USA where he made his money…he is a huge joke….😂😂😂😂😂😂..like all of the ones who make their billions here but do not put much back here…..all mouth …😩😩😩😩😩😩

valmarie leonard

I am predisposed to major and dangerous diverticulitis episodes that require going to the ER. I have tried following a proper diet, but doctors don’t seem to know what causes the episodes. Honestly, I have not experimented with any probiotic, but the PA at the hospital suggested Seed. My gastro system causes other discomforts, but nothing as horrid as the colon inflammation! What do you think?

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Steve

I’ve had diverticulitous too. I am on my third day of Seed so it’s too early to tell. When I’ve had more time on it, I’ll try to post some information about my experience.

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Bre

Steve any more info about your experience? Are you still taking seed? Thanks!

Megan

I want to know if I were to take it in the morning on an empty stomach, how long do I have to wait before eating or drinking coffee??
Also, how long before I can take my other sups/ vitamins?

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valmarie leonard

I am predisposed to major diverticulitis episodes, and need help to prevent them. I have tried following a proper diet, but no doctor seems to know what the causes of the inflammation of my colon are. Honestly, I haven’t experimented with any other probiotic, but the PA at the hospital suggested I try Seed. What do you think?

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Pete

Liz – Can you share how long you’ve been taking this supplement and are you still taking this, and your husband? Asking as my daughter has an autoimmune disorder that affects her skin severely, HS, and hair loss, alopecia; so, she is on a special diet avoiding certain foods like night shades, etc along immune suppressing medication. She also gets digestive issues; so, we’ve been researching this product & I found your helpful review; appreciate your reply!

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Mary Ann

Along with a good probiotic you need to research Ivermectin. Research it! Don’t just read the copy and paste articles. Look at demodex mites. Consider the fact that all diseases are linked to parasites. I’ve been taking Ivermectin periodically for years. And, I get it the equine paste either online or at a farm store. Gut heath is imperative! Eliminating pathogens is essential. They go hand in hand.

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Tiffany

On my second month, thanks to your review! My digestive issues are so much better. Full disclosure, during week 3 and 4, they got a little worse. Seed has really helped me more than other probiotics.

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Liz Cadman

OMG that is so great to hear that Seed is helping you! Thank you so much for letting me know!

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Patrick

I’ve suffered from Seborrheic dermatitis since a kid, I’ve been taking Seed for 3 months and my face is completely clear! I haven’t had a flare up in 3 months.

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Brooke

You mentioned having to take it on an empty stomach, would.you recommend taking it in the morning? Also, when taking other medication like thyroid meds which also need to be taken on an empty stomach and separate from all other meds, would this be ok to take at the same time?

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Kim

The way I do it is to take my thyroid pill when I wake up and 1/2 hour later take the seed like they recommended for meal! Then15 to 1/2 I take my other supplements!

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Erika

Regarding your thyroid med, you have to wait 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking any kind of food or vitamin with calcium before taking your thyroid med. Furthermore, the vitamin biotin effects your numbers on your blood test ( thc levels).
I also have to take thyroid med. I had thyroid cancer, and had my thyroid removed.
Be blessed

natalie

i was just reading about it…interesting and so..organic it seems, the marketing is exquisite..humans, the earth..recycling, was thinking maybe too much hype..but your review did help might consider the 30 trial…

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Jane

This brand is AWESOME! My husband is off his stomach medicine after 2 months of using Seed, and we both have had major digestive health improvements.

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Becca Veldhuis

Hey Jane, what stomach medications was your husband on? My sister is on stomach medication and has been for years and I want her to try these, so curious since it helped your husband if it could help her too!!!

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