A Hidden Gem in Longevity and Health
The potential of Spermidine
The potential of Spermidine
Strange name, I know, and not a substance that’s commonly mentioned, even in longevity circles, but that may change soon.
Spermidine, a naturally occurring compound found in foods like wheat germ, soy products, and mushrooms, is gaining attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in extending lifespan and enhancing overall well-being, as we know, a popular topic today.
Surprisingly with all the activity recently on the subject of extending life and anti-ageing, I have heard or read very little in the mainstream health dialogues or blogs, and this might be because there are practical challenges associated with it’s effective dosage, and also there has not been a lot of direct human research done, but it sparked my attention.
On looking at the biological mechanisms associated with Spermidine, and some existing data that exists now, it suggests that it could be a significant player in the field of longevity and preventive health.
So what is Spermidine?
It’s a biogenic polyamine involved in cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and autophagy (the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells to regenerate newer, healthier cells). This process is crucial for combating ageing and associated diseases.
There appear also to be specific health benefits of Spermidine
Research across various species, including yeast, worms, flies, and human cell cultures, has shown that spermidine can significantly extend lifespan. It seems to have the ability to enhance autophagy, and when autophagy genes were disabled, tests did not show the same life-extending benefits, highlighting its role in this vital cellular process.
Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health
Spermidine has been linked to reduced blood pressure and lower mortality rates in humans, correlating with about three additional years of life, and it also shows potential in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improving cognitive functions in the elderly, suggesting that it could play a role in managing age-related decline. I’m dubious about this one, but time will tell.
There is some evidence from animal models that spermidine could help relieve conditions like arthritis, as it has been shown to reduce inflammation, a common underlying factor in many chronic diseases.
Now the bad news:
Despite its benefits, there are practical challenges in utilizing spermidine as a supplement:
The effective dosage for health benefits is relatively high compared to what is typically found in supplements. For instance, achieving the lifespan-extending effects observed in mice would require a human to consume an impractically large amount of spermidine-rich food or hundreds of supplement pills daily.
Not only that, but most of the promising data comes from animal studies or indirect human research, such as observational studies based on dietary intake. Direct human trials are scarce, and more research is needed to establish effective dosages and confirm the benefits observed in animal models and cell studies.
So, I don’t think I’ll be rushing out to get my first dose any time soon, but on a brighter note, anyone interested in exploring the benefits of spermidine now, incorporating spermidine-rich foods into the diet is a practical approach to potentially harness its health-promoting properties.
Just as a little rider, because I know the curious amongst us will be wondering:
Yes, the name “spermidine” does have a connection to the word “sperm.”
Spermidine was originally isolated from seminal fluid, and its name is derived from the Greek word “spermos,” meaning “seed,” and the suffix “-idine,” which is a common ending for compounds related to amino acids. The name “spermidine” literally means “seed-like” or “related to seeds.”
This naming convention was common in the early days of chemistry, where compounds were often named based on their origin or characteristics. In this case, the name “spermidine” reflects its initial discovery in seminal fluid, although it is now known to be present in all animal and human cells, not just sperm.
Spermine and spermidine | Podcast | Chemistry World
Spermidine promotes mating and fertilization efficiency in model organisms — PMC (nih.gov)
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