Spermidine: Autophagy promoter molecule

Posted on: 11/11/2022
 

We are now going to talk about spermidine, a molecule with anti-ageing effects. Spermidine acts at the genetic level: it interacts with one of the longevity pathways, namely mTOR (mammal Target Of Rapamycin). The result is the activation of autophagy, a very important process for maintaining healthy tissues and controlling ageing. It is a cleansing mechanism by which cells break down and destroy old, damaged or abnormal proteins and other substances in their cytoplasm (the fluid inside the cell). 

What is spermidine and what are its benefits? 

Spermidine is found in the living tissues of plants and animals and plays an important role in regulating  the division, differentiation and maturation of cells. For use as a food supplement, it can be obtained either synthetically or naturally from wheat germ extract. It can also be assimilated indirectly by ingesting arginine, which acts as a prebiotic to stimulate the intestinal synthesis of spermidine. 

As we age, our cell renewal and cleansing mechanisms decrease, as is the case with the process of autophagy. Through autophagy, damaged cellular components are recycled and become part of healthy cells again. 

If these components are not properly removed, they remain in the tissues causing cellular stress, i.e. inducing unwanted inflammatory processes that accelerate ageing. This is why it is so important to activate this process, for example by means of molecules such as spermidine. If we keep our tissues “clean”, we will stay young for longer.

According to studies, the daily doses of spermidine studied so far range from 0.5 mg to a maximum of 2 mg per day. 

Did you know…?

That spermidine was first isolated from sperm in around 1678. This is how it got its name, but the chemical composition of this substance and its molecular structure were not discovered until the beginning of the 20th century (1926). Foods rich in spermidine include durian (a fruit from a Southeast Asian tree of the same name), shitake mushrooms, green pepper, amaranth grain, cauliflower and broccoli. As well as products derived from fermentation processes involving bacteria and fungi that create polyamines, such as soy products like natto or aged cheese. Currently, spermidine is obtained from wheat germ extract, where it is much more abundant.

Zenement’s Spermidine

Our spermidine is sourced from wheat germ extract containing 1% spermidine (twice as concentrated as other products), providing 1.2 mg per capsule.  

We have also added thiamine (vitamin B1) to guarantee proper enzyme function and zinc (in the form of bisglycinate), which is involved in the cell division process and helps protect cells against oxidative damage.

How to use: 1 capsule per day with lunch or dinner.

Warnings and Interactions: 

– Contains gluten. 
– Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. 
– Do not take spermidine together with choline food supplements. 
– Seek medical advice before taking spermidine if you are undergoing any kind of treatment. Spermidine may interact with some drugs such as Sirolimus (immunosuppressant drug), Acyclovir (antiviral) and Codeine (analgesic and antitussive).

You can also consult our post “9 tips to delay ageing, live longer and better” in which we tell you some tips for ageing healthily. Other food supplements that can help you achieve healthy ageing are Berberine, which acts in our body by directly activating the AMPK pathway, and Resveratrol and Quercetin, anti-ageing molecules.

 
Posted in: Antiageing & Beauty

Related posts