Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in all living cells, known for its multiple health benefits, particularly related to aging and autophagy. Here are some key findings from recent studies on spermidine:

Health Benefits of Spermidine

1. Anti-Aging:

   • Spermidine helps extend lifespan and improve health span by inducing autophagy, a cellular process that removes damaged components¹².
   • It has been shown to extend lifespan in various model organisms including yeast, nematodes, flies, and mice³.

2. Cognitive Health:

   • Studies indicate that spermidine supplementation can improve memory performance and cognitive function, particularly in older adults⁴⁵.
   • It has shown potential in delaying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing autophagy⁶.

3. Cardiovascular Protection:

   • Spermidine has cardioprotective effects, reducing cardiac hypertrophy and preserving diastolic function. It also correlates with reduced blood pressure and lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases⁷⁸.

4. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties:

   • It reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to aging and various chronic diseases⁹¹⁰.

5. Cancer Protection:

   • Spermidine exhibits anti-tumor properties and may enhance the body's anti-tumor immunosurveillance¹¹.

Dietary Sources of Spermidine

Spermidine is abundant in certain foods, notably in:

• Fresh peppers
• Wheat germ
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cheeses
• Soy products like natto and shiitake mushrooms¹².

Supplementation and Safety

• Long-term spermidine supplementation (1.2 mg/day) has been found safe and well-tolerated in elderly individuals¹³.
• Supplementation increases blood polyamine levels, which decline with age¹⁴.

Conclusion

Spermidine holds great promise as a supplement for enhancing longevity, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health through its role in promoting autophagy and reducing inflammation. Regular intake through diet or supplements can help counteract the age-related decline in spermidine levels.

Footnotes

1. Madeo, F. (2018). Spermidine: a physiological autophagy inducer acting as an anti-aging vitamin in humans? PMC ↩

2. Zou, D. (2022). A comprehensive review of spermidine. PubMed ↩

3. Madeo, F. (2018). Spermidine delays aging in humans. PMC ↩

4. Schwarz, C. (2022). Effects of Spermidine Supplementation on Cognition in Older Adults. PubMed ↩

5. Liu, J.-K. (2022). Antiaging agents. PMC ↩

6. Lumkwana, D. (2022). Investigating the Role of Spermidine in Alzheimer's. PMC ↩

7. Eisenberg, T. (2024). Cardioprotection and lifespan extension by spermidine. PMC ↩

8. Liu, J.-K. (2022). Antiaging agents. PMC ↩

9. Filfan, M. (2020). Long-term treatment with spermidine increases health span in rats. PMC ↩

10. Đorđievski, S. (2023). Spermidine dietary supplementation in bees. PMC ↩

11. Madeo, F. (2018). Spermidine delays aging in humans. PMC ↩

12. Liu, J.-K. (2022). Antiaging agents. PMC ↩

13. Schwarz, C. (2022). Effects of Spermidine Supplementation on Cognition in Older Adults. PubMed ↩

14. Lumkwana, D. (2022). Investigating the Role of Spermidine in Alzheimer's. PMC ↩