Table of Contents
Spermidine has gained much attention recently because of its link to reported anti-aging benefits. But what is Spermidine, and what does the science say about its potential health benefits?
In this article, we'll examine all there is to know about Spermidine to clarify the confusion surrounding this strangely named compound.
WHAT IS SPERMIDINE?
Let's address the odd name first of all.
Spermidine's name is because it was first discovered in a semen sample by the Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in 1678. He noticed a bunch of crystals while looking down at the microscope.
He had no idea what he was looking at at the time, and Spermidine's function was not fully understood until hundreds of years later.
Although Spermidine was initially discovered in semen, it is essential to note that it is present in all living cells and can be obtained from various food sources.
So, what is Spermidine?
Spermidine belongs to a group of organic compounds called polyamines. There are three (3) primary polyamines to be aware of:
1- Spermidine
2- Spermine
3- putrescine
Polyamines are involved in several cellular processes, including cell growth, cell division, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). They are also essential for stabilizing DNA and protecting it from outside stress.
Polyamine levels decline continuously with age, and this has been associated with aging and disease. On the other hand, boosting polyamine levels by giving animals Spermidine extended lifespan. (1)
What is spermidine made of?
Spermidine is a polyamine compound with the chemical formula C7H19N3. It is synthesized from putrescine, a diamine, and is naturally present in nearly all tissues of living organisms, where it plays a vital role in cellular functions like growth and DNA stabilization.
WHERE DO YOU GET SPERMIDINE FROM?
There are generally three (3) ways our cells obtain Spermidine:
1. DIET
Spermidine is present in many of the foods we eat. But it's exceptionally high in certain vegetables and fermented products:
Wheat germ: Wheat germ is one of the richest dietary sources of Spermidine. It is the embryo of the wheat kernel. It is often available as a standalone product or as an ingredient in baked goods, cereals, and smoothies.
Soybeans: Soybeans and soy-based products, such as tofu and soy milk, contain significant amounts of Spermidine. These versatile legumes can be incorporated into various dishes and are commonly used in vegetarian and vegan diets.
Mushrooms: Certain mushrooms, such as shiitake, portobello, and oyster mushrooms, contain notable amounts of Spermidine. They can be enjoyed in soups, stir-fries, salads, or grilled as a side dish.
Peas: Peas, including green peas and yellow split peas, are good sources of Spermidine. They can be used in salads, stews, curries, or as a side dish.
Corn: Corn kernels and products made from corn, such as polenta or cornmeal, contain Spermidine. Corn is a versatile ingredient that can be grilled, boiled, roasted, or added to various recipes.
Broccoli: Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable containing Spermidine and other beneficial compounds. It can be steamed, sautéed, roasted, or added to salads and stir-fries.
Spinach: Spinach and other leafy greens, like kale and Swiss chard, contain Spermidine. These greens can be consumed raw in salads or cooked in various dishes, such as soups, stews, and sautés.
Natto: Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It is rich in Spermidine and is often enjoyed as a breakfast or added to rice dishes.
SPERMIDINE
Cellular autophagy activator, providing a potent and highly purified dose of Spermidine.*
2. GUT BACTERIA
Gut bacteria can also produce Spermidine. Some studies have suggested that certain strains of gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, can synthesize Spermidine and release it into the intestinal environment. These bacteria can produce Spermidine by converting other dietary compounds, such as agmatine, into Spermidine. However, the overall contribution of gut bacteria to spermidine levels in the body is still an area of ongoing research.
3. YOUR CELLS
Finally, your cells can make Spermidine using the amino acid ornithine. This process is called polyamine biosynthesis in the body. It involves the conversion of the amino acid ornithine into putrescine, which is then converted into Spermidine through the action of the spermidine synthase. (2)
BENEFITS OF SPERMIDINE
In recent years, Spermidine has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits for women and men. This naturally occurring polyamine compound has been the subject of extensive research, uncovering its possible importance in various aspects of human health.
Research is still in its early stages, and the potential benefits below have yet to be proven in humans.
CELLULAR REJUVENATION AND ANTI-AGING
One of the most intriguing aspects of Spermidine is its ability to induce autophagy, a cellular process vital for maintaining cellular health and function. Autophagy enables removing damaged or dysfunctional components within cells, thereby promoting cellular rejuvenation. By stimulating this process, Spermidine may contribute to anti-aging effects, preserving cellular integrity and mitigating the decline associated with aging. (3)
LONGEVITY BENEFITS
Emerging evidence suggests that dietary Spermidine may reduce mortality rates in humans, particularly from cardiovascular and cancer-related causes. This is in addition to the observed lifespan extension in animal studies, making Spermidine a compound of significant interest in longevity research.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Spermidine has demonstrated promising cardioprotective effects in animal studies. Some studies have shown that spermidine intake is associated with improved heart function, reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and lower blood pressure. Furthermore, Spermidine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially alleviating inflammation-related cardiovascular conditions. (4)
NEUROPROTECTION
The neuroprotective effects of Spermidine have attracted considerable attention. Research on mice suggests that Spermidine may help safeguard against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Its ability to promote autophagy in brain cells may facilitate the removal of toxic proteins, thus reducing their accumulation and protecting against neuronal damage. This is likely due to its role in enhancing mitochondrial function and promoting autophagy in brain cells, which helps to remove toxic proteins that can damage neurons. With that said, a human trial into Spermidine and cognitive decline showed no benefit over placebo. The researchers said their dose (750mg wheat germ extract) may have needed to be higher. (5)(6)
IMMUNE SYSTEM MODULATION
Spermidine has shown the ability to modulate immune responses, potentially contributing to a well-balanced immune system. It has been associated with enhanced immune function and promoting immune cell production. Additionally, Spermidine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which may help mitigate excessive immune responses and reduce inflammation-related disorders. (7)
POTENTIAL CANCER PREVENTION
Spermidine may possess anti-cancer properties by interfering with the tumor cell cycle, suppressing tumor growth, and lowering the risk of certain cancers, such as liver and colon cancer. These potential benefits make Spermidine an intriguing subject for ongoing cancer research.
IMPACT ON LIPID METABOLISM AND OBESITY
Spermidine influences lipid metabolism and adipogenesis, the process of creating fat cells. It helps regulate fat storage and may combat obesity, especially in high-fat diet scenarios, by enhancing fat cell metabolism and thermogenesis. This effect highlights Spermidine’s potential role in managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.
In summary, Spermidine is showing some promising potential benefits in animal studies. But it's important to emphasize again that human trials are very few and have yielded insignificant benefits.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS WITH SPERMIDINE?
Since Spermidine is a naturally occurring compound in the body found in various foods, it is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts through the diet or via supplements.
However, there are limited human trials of Spermidine supplementation at the time of writing. A recent study published in 2022 gave 750mg of wheat germ to older adults over 12 months and reported no adverse events linked to taking the supplements. Of note is that this study involved 100 participants, a relatively small number of people. (6)
It's always advisable to exercise caution when considering any new supplement and consult a healthcare professional before starting spermidine supplementation.
The other thing to be aware of is that most Spermidine supplements on the market use wheat germ as the source. This means that wheat germ-based Spermidine supplements will contain gluten and should be avoided if you have a history of celiac disease.
SPERMIDINE FUNDAMENTALS - CONCLUSION
That brings us to the end of our look into Spermidine and some preliminary research.
Spermidine is one of three primary polyamines essential to cell health and longevity.
Studies are ongoing, but there is a lot of interest in Spermidine as a potential autophagy inducer. In simple terms, this cell's "housekeeping" system breaks down and discards old misfolded proteins.
The efficiency of autophagy declines with age, and boosting levels with a Spermidine-rich supplement is being investigated. However, more research is needed to fully understand Spermidine's effects, particularly its impact on human health, optimal dosage, and long-term safety. Human trials are limited at the time of writing, and the potential upsides of Spermidine are unproven.