The Benefits of Spermidine

The Benefits of Spermidine

Spermidine. Despite its unappetizing name, spermidine has recently emerged from obscurity to impact the supplement world significantly. Let’s take a look at what spermidine is, where it is found, and, most importantly, what it can do for you.

What is Spermidine?

Initially found in seamen by the Dutch scientist Anton Van Leeuwenhoek in 1678, spermidine is produced from a precursor, putrescine, and another polyamine is required for cellular function named spermidine. 

Polyamines play critical roles in health since they stabilize DNA, promote cellular growth and cell proliferation, and trigger apoptosis (the death of worn-out, toxic cells). This is why putrescine and spermidine are vital for healthy tissue growth and function.

Spermidine Benefits

Here is a list of a few of the benefits of spermidine:

• Promotes autophagy. One of the primary causes of aging is cellular toxicity. Cells are programmed to divide a certain number of times. When they reach that limit, they stop dividing, turn into “zombie cells,” and hang around like obnoxious drunks at a party. The medical term for this is called cellular senescence. These senescent cells emit toxins that speed up aging. Spermidine combats this development by inducing autophagy, the cellular rejuvenation process by internal housekeeping. During autophagy, toxic cells are grabbed by the bouncers and unceremoniously shown the exit door. Autophagy is believed to ease inflammation and oxidative stress, two significant villains involved in aging and its numerous accompanying afflictions.
• Boosts memory. A 2018 study concluded that memory was boosted in the group that received spermidine compared to the placebo group. This might result from the dissolution of amyloid-beta plaque build-up by spermidine-induced autophagy. Another 2020 study discovered a slight positive effect in older people suffering from dementia.
• Protects DNA. Spermidine also protects DNA from damage caused by oxidative stress. It stabilizes mitochondrial DNA, thus protecting against aging caused by mutations in the mitochondrial genome. It can also protect against telomere shortening in mice. Telomeres are the end caps of chromosomes and are similar to the tips of shoelaces. After numerous cell divisions, telomeres shorten like worn shoelaces that shorten with age, which accelerates aging. Both genomic instability and telomere shortening are symptoms of aging.
• Improves cardiovascular health. Spermidine can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow, both of which contribute to heart health.
• Vaporize fat. Like many other spermidine benefits, autophagy boosts metabolism, which scorches fat, especially the hideous “belly fat” that accumulates around the midsection.
• Strengthens bones. Studies have found that spermidine builds bone strength and wards off bone loss, often leading to osteoporosis.
• Anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is thought to be a significant cause of aging and severe illness. The process of autophagy that spermidine triggers have been shown to tamp down inflammation
• Keeps arteries flexible. Spermidine increases nitric oxide, ensuring a healthy, robust, unimpeded blood flow that helps prevent calcification, an accumulation of calcium or calcium salts, as with calcium carbonate seeped from the bones into the arteries.
• Youthful appearance. Face facts: appearance matters. The internal condition of our health is often reflected in our outward appearance, and, as the saying goes, we only have one chance to make a good first impression. One of the earliest signs of aging is seen in our faces (fathomless wrinkles, edged lines, and sagging skin); these are all signs of aging, and the universal dread of looking like a dried, wrinkled prune has fueled the skin care and anti-aging industries. 

Where is spermidine found?

Spermidine is found in all eukaryotic cells and plays a critical role in cell metabolism. In some bacteria, it is a required growth factor and is also a polycation at physiological pH. Spermidine is available in foods and can also be found in higher concentrations in supplements, which means you can get the best of both worlds.

The Foods Highest in Spermidine

You can find spermidine in the following foods:

• Broccoli
• Shitake mushrooms
• Cauliflower
• Aged cheeses
• Grapefruit
• Green peppers
• Wheat germ
• Certain cereals
• Soybean products

Safety and side-effects

Since spermidine is a naturally occurring product in the body and is found in several healthy foods, the data suggest that spermidine supplementation is safe and well-tolerated.

Research has found that spermidine can inhibit five of the nine hallmarks of aging. As we age, our spermidine levels plummet, and our autophagy rate slows to a crawl. This wreaks havoc on our cells and exposes them to the ravages of aging.

Therefore, if you are serious about experiencing excellent health and longevity, look to add spermidine to your diet and supplement regimen.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31827090/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31319247/

https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/everything-you-need-to-know-about-spermidine/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010945218303137

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