Polyamines, such as spermidine, have several primary amino groups. It can be found in living tissues and ribosomes, and it plays a vital role in the survival and function of cells.
In 1678, Anton Van Leeuwenhoek, a scientist from the Netherlands, discovered spermidine in a human semen sample. It is produced in the body through the putrescine, and is the precursor of another substance called spermine, which plays a vital role in cellular functions.
Recently I have launched my very own anti-aging line, and spermidine is one of the supplements I have formulated. Since the spermidine levels in our bodies naturally decrease as we age, a supplement can replenish some of those levels, which could lead to cell regeneration and renewal.
Research suggests that spermidine can have a number of benefits for our health, which can impact our aging and lead to longevity. In this article, I will be covering some in depth information related to spermidine that includes:
- Science behind spermidine
- Benefits of spermidine
- Potential side effects of spermidine
Science Behind Spermidine
Instead of just a supplement that can help maintain a healthy aging, longevity supplements like Spermidine have active ingredients that can help control how our bodies age as well.
As people get older, their cellular and molecular damage accumulates, which can lead to various signs of aging. Prolonged exposure to longevity supplements can help manage the pathways involved in aging.
One of the most important pathways that can help manage the effects of aging is through the development of cellular rejuvenation, which is triggered by the TOR kinase pathway. This process can be triggered by various factors such as stress and fasting.
Spermidine can also trigger a process known as autophagy, which involves the reuse of damaged or old organelles in order to achieve cellular renewal. It is believed that this process could even help limit the damage caused by aging and other conditions.
Foods with Spermidine
You can find dietary sources of spermidine in a variety of foods, which may include:
- Grapefruit
- Corn
- Peas
- Peppers
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Mature cheeses
Spermidine Supplements + Increasing Spermidine Levels
As we age our bodies accumulate damage, which increases our risk for disease. Our natural levels of spermidine also begin to decline. This can be prevented by taking supplements that contain high levels of this nutrient. Although it's generally beneficial to eat a varied diet that's rich in whole food, taking supplements for longevity is the best way to reduce the effects of aging on our bodies.
Even though the Food and Drug Administration may not monitor longevity supplements, they usually contain ingredients that are already found in the body and food. This ensures that they have low toxicity.
The most common type of spermidine supplements are those that are extracted from wheat germ. They work to improve the longevity of people by reducing the effects of aging. There are so many anti aging supplements on the market nowadays, which all claim to have the same benefits. However, that isn’t always the case.
Although there are various types of supplements available on sites like Amazon, it's important to avoid non-food-based versions that contain ingredients that are not approved for use. Some of these include spermidine HCl, which still haven’t been proven to be safe or effective.
Dr. Emil’s Spermidine Supplement
As I had previously mentioned, I have recently launched my very own anti-aging line. I have utilized my expertise in both supplementation and science to get you set on the path to healthy aging and longevity!
Benefits of Spermidine
Spermidine is by no means a complete cure for a disease, but the holistic health benefits of the supplements are undeniable. Check out some of the benefits you could reap when taking a spermidine supplement.
Health Benefits
For people who want to extend their lifespan, regular exercise and a balanced diet can help them achieve it. Supplements that contain spermidine can help lower the risk of various age-related illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration.
In addition to improving memory and cognition, spermidine can also protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and ischemia. One of the ways that this can occur is through autophagy, which is a process that involves breaking down amyloid-beta proteins. These are believed to be linked to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. A study revealed that older individuals with dementia had a reduction in their memory loss after taking spermidine.
Longevity Benefits
Spermidine might be able to imitate the effects of certain life-enhancing interventions, such as calorie restriction, which can promote cellular renewal.
It can also help protect DNA from damage caused by the effects of oxidative stress. Studies have shown that spermidine can stabilize the DNA in the mitochondria, which helps prevent aging. It can also protect the end caps of chromosomes from getting damaged, which can affect one's longevity.
The effects of aging, such as telomere shortening and genomic instability, are known to be some of the changes that can happen in organisms as they grow older. According to studies, spermidine can limit these effects.
Spermidine works to primarily reduce the physical aspects of aging. One of the earliest signs of aging are the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines. The fear of looking older in people has led to the development of these anti-aging products like spermidine.
Improvement in Reproductive Fertility with Women
The use of spermidine can improve the reproductive fertility of both men and women. Due to the rising cost of living and professional pressures, many people are postponing having children. This can lead to various problems later on.
When women reach the age of 45, menopause can occur. The ovaries can also age five times faster than other organs.
There are various methods for improving one's reproductive health, but spermidine is one of the most promising options. Over time, the development of reactive oxygen species can damage the eggs and lead to cellular senescence, which can cause menopause.
When ROS causes the development of abnormal stem cells in the ovaries, it can limit one's chances of having children. A study hypothesized that treating these cells with spermidine could help decrease the damage caused by oxidative stress. The results of the study revealed that the treatment improved both the stem cell production and autophagy.
Fertility + Men
The finding just mentioned supports the use of spermidine in fertility therapies for women. Men on the other hand don't experience the same decline in fertility as women. In fact, spermidine may actually be important in the production of sperm. Male fertility is also affected by how much spermidine is in the body.
Sexual reproduction is mainly controlled by hormones, and a study conducted with men revealed that taking a supplement containing spermidine can affect the levels of certain hormones.
For 30 days, the participants took a supplement that contained spermidine. It was able to reduce the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can negatively affect fertility. It also decreased the levels of an oestrogen known to cause sexual dysfunction in men.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Although it is known that spermidine can support longevity by autophagy, it is also believed that it can help with other aspects of health. Some studies suggest that spermidine can help with the development of cancer cells and the maintenance of lipid metabolism.
Although inflammation can help in the healing and repelling of wounds, it is also harmful when it persists, often referred to as inflammaging. This condition can prevent healthy tissues from regenerating, and it can trigger the development of dysfunctional immune cells. Inflammaging can accelerate the aging process by causing cells to become senescent. One way that spermidine can help slow down the progression of aging is by reducing inflammation.
Spermidine + COVID-19
The COVID-19 vaccine and its booster have provided most people with protection against a serious illness caused by the coronavirus. However, for older individuals, vaccines are less effective because they have a weaker immune system. This was the case throughout the pandemic when it hit the hardest.
Studies have been conducted to improve the effectiveness of vaccines for older individuals. One of these studies looked into the effects of spermidine supplements on the immune system of older people.
The study revealed that spermidine levels decreased with aging in human T cells, which are part of the immune system's response. Through supplements, the researchers were able to restore the function of these cells and improve the efficiency of vaccines.
Currently, there are no effective treatments for patients with severe cases of the coronavirus but there are still some pharmacological options available.
One promising approach to treating the coronavirus is by developing new therapeutic agents that can activate cellular autophagy and restore the levels of spermidine. In another study, the researchers discovered that the SARS-CoV2 virus damaged the pathways that regulate cellular autophagy. They were able to restore these pathways and prevent viral replication by giving a compound that can induce autophagy.
Cancer + Cardiovascular Health
In 2016, a study revealed that spermidine can help reverse the aging process and improve cardiovascular health in older mice. At the organ level, the condition of the heart and its function were significantly improved in the treated animals. The same animals also showed improvements in their metabolism due to the restoration of their mitochondria.
Other population-based studies conducted in humans revealed that spermidine consumption can reduce cancer-related and cardiovascular causes of death.
Spermidine Safety
Thanks to a few different studies, the results regarding spermidine supplementation have shown that there are no major side effects. In particular, a study conducted by Wien Klin Wochenschr found that participants who had taken a 3.3 mg dose of spermidine for over 3 months did not have any major side effects. The second group in the study took a lower dose at 1.9 mg for 3 months, but still did not encounter any issues. The presence of spermidine in various plant sources also helps with safety assurances.
The dose of spermidine that you should take depends on the reason for taking it and the type of delivery method you use. For example, if you are taking oral supplements, you should take a higher dose due to the lower level of bioavailable nutrients. However, in smaller doses, liposomal supplements can be more effective.
As with any supplement or medication you are taking, it’s important to take side effects seriously. If you notice any, you should consult with your doctor and quit taking it immediately.
Start Your Spermidine Supplementation Today
With so many supplements on the market promising to promote “anti-aging” you may be wary when it comes to finding the right kind. Like my own spermidine supplements, it’s important to look for products that are third party tested so make sure you are grabbing it from a quality source. Try spermidine out today and begin the journey to a healthier version of yourself as you age!
