Spermidine: The Supplement Series
A quick guide to supplements that may enhance brain health and healthy aging
By Jeynaba Jamanka
Name
Spermidine is a naturally occuring polyamine (organic compound having more than two amino groups), that was first discovered in semen.
Background
Spermidine affects multiple biological processes in all living organisms, including cell growth and proliferation, and tissue regeneration. Spermidine is essential for cellular homeostasis in living organisms.
Why it’s Used
Although humans produce Spermidine on their own, the benefits of taking Spermidine as an external supplement have recently been discovered. Studies have shown that as we age, our Spermidine levels decrease, and that taking Spermidine externally can delay the aging process in humans. Besides anti-aging properties, Spermidine has also been shown to have other benefits including:
anti-inflammatory properties
antioxidant properties
reduced cardiovascular-related mortality
reduced cancer-related mortality
Evidence
Studies have shown that Spermidine intake extends longevity in multiple species, namely yeast, fruit flies, and worms. Studies that looked at supplementation in mice showed that Spermidine was able to increase lifespans, as well as suppress age-related cardiovascular function. There have only recently been studies that looked at Spermidines effects in human participants, but some studies found similar evidence seen in other organisms.
Types/Variations
Some foods that Spermidine is found to be naturally occurring include:
Grapefruit
Wheatgerm
Green pepper
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Natto
Durian
Shiitake Mushrooms
People whose diets contain high levels of Spermidine may have lower mortality rates according to this study: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/108/2/371/5046172#137305365
Supplemental spermidine can also be found in a powder or tablet form.
Spermidine is not the only polyamine we need. Eating a diet rich in diverse plant foods, including those that contain spermidine and other polyamines, is a good idea as well.
Other Polyamine rich foods, include:
oranges and grapefruits
nuts and seeds
Sauerkraut
Wheatgerm
Turnips
grapes (wine too)
green peppers
whole grains
turkey
Issues
Spermidine and it’s benefits is a relatively new discovery and there are not as many human trials as other supplements that have been around longer. Some people question the legitimacy of all the benefits researchers claim Spermidine to have. Multiple studies that have found extremely positive effects of Spermidine have been done by researchers who have notable conflicts of interest. Although their findings may still be compelling evidence, the conflict of interest should be considered. Here are examples of some of these studies:
Side Effects
Spermidine has been shown to be extremely safe as it is naturally occurring in the human body. Scientists haven’t found any side effects to taking Spermidine externally.
Alternative Products
One supplement that has been known to have anti-aging properties is Curcumin (visit our article on Curcumin here).
For more anti-aging products please visit: https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/vitamins/anti-aging-supplements-worth-buying/
Brands/Prices
Spermidine is a relatively expensive product compared to other supplements. The most popular brand, SpermidineLife, costs $89 per 60 capsules.
For an overview of leading brands and foods high in Spermidine, please visit:
For more scientific background and data on Spermidine and Polyamines, please visit:
