Spermidine's Potential Role in Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Q: What is spermidine?

Spermidine is a powerful polyamine that promotes autophagy , the body’s cellular “clean-up” process, and inhibits 9 of the 12 scientifically identified root causes of aging, known as the “Hallmarks of Aging.” While two-thirds of the body’s spermidine is produced by the gut and body tissues, the remaining third comes from food. As we age, natural spermidine production declines, so maintaining youthful levels requires external sources, either from spermidine-rich foods or supplements like Primeadine.

Oct 16, 2024

By Georgia Pilling

0 comments

Woman with inflamed throat due to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis | Oxford Healthspan

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is a prevalent cause of hypothyroidism. This condition often leads to various symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression, significantly impacting quality of life for individuals. While conventional treatments include hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine, in managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. In this blog we discuss the role and benefits of spermidine in hormone balance and how this may be translated to help those with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

What is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is characterized as an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation and eventual thyroid dysfunction. Symptoms can be diverse and develop gradually, often making the condition challenging to diagnose early. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue
Weight gain
Sensitivity to cold
Dry skin and hair
Constipation
Muscle weakness
Depression
Memory issues

The standard treatment involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which helps manage symptoms but does not completely address the underlying autoimmune inflammation in cases, therefore some patients continue to experience symptoms related to inflammation or other autoimmune issues.

Impaired Autophagy in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Autophagy is a cellular process that involves the degradation and recycling of damaged cellular components. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting cells from stress and damage [1]. In the case of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, the normal autophagy process is disturbed, leading to an overproduction of harmful molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the thyroid cells. Typically, autophagy would help regulate these ROS levels. However, in Hashimoto's thyroiditis this process is compromised, often due to elevated levels of a specific protein called IL-23 [2].

Therefore, the accumulation of ROS intensifies, leading to tissue damage and inflammation. This sets off a damaging cycle: increased ROS levels lead to heightened inflammation, further disrupting autophagy and causing even more ROS to accumulate [2]. Enhancing autophagy therefore has the potential to interrupt this and mitigate the severity of Hashimoto's disease.

Benefits of Spermidine for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

What is Spermidine?

Spermidine is a naturally-occurring compound found in various foods such as soybeans, aged cheese, mushrooms, whole grains, and certain vegetables. It plays a critical role in cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Studies suggest that spermidine has a number of potential health benefits targeting the hallmarks of aging, which includes immune system modulation and anti-inflammatory properties [1]. So, is it possible that these properties of spermidine could help to mitigate symptoms in Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Spermidine's Effect on Autophagy

As discussed, the process of autophagy is impaired in cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Spermidine is known to supports this process, initiating sufficient cellular clean up and renewal [1]. Therefore, by enhancing autophagy, spermidine may help protect thyroid cells from further damage, aiding removal of harmful ROS build up, thus reducing overall inflammation in the thyroid gland.

Spermidine's and the Immune System

The immune system plays a central role in the development of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Spermidine has been found to have immunomodulatory effects, which can help in regulating immune responses [3]. By modulating the immune system, spermidine could reduce the intensity of the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland, potentially slowing the progression of the disease.

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis [4]. Spermidine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in reducing the inflammation associated with the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland [5]. By decreasing inflammation, spermidine may help alleviate some of the symptoms such as fatigue and muscle pain.

Spermidine and the Gut-Thyroid Axis

The gut and thyroid are deeply interconnected through the thyroid-gut axis, highlighting the importance of gut health for optimal thyroid function [6]. This connection is particularly crucial for individuals with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, who are more susceptible to "leaky gut." In this condition, harmful substances can leak into the bloodstream and trigger inflammation [7].

Focusing on improving gut health can help manage inflammation more effectively, leading to improved thyroid function and overall well-being [8]. Spermidine plays a supportive role by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and strengthening gut barrier integrity [9,10]. This helps prevent "leaky gut" by reinforcing the gut lining and avoiding gut dysbiosis, which encourages an overall healthier happier gut environment and, in turn, thyroid. For those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's, improving gut health can be especially beneficial, potentially reducing the autoimmune response and supporting better thyroid function [8].

How to Incorporate Spermidine into Your Routine

Incorporating spermidine-rich foods into your diet is a natural way to benefit from this compound. Foods high in spermidine include:

Soybeans
Aged cheese (e.g., cheddar, Parmesan)
Mushrooms
Whole grains (e.g., wheat germ, rice bran)
Certain vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower)

Additionally, you could consider food-derived spermidine supplements, like Primeadine®, which can provide a more concentrated daily dose to ensure you are consistently incorporating spermidine into your diet.

Conclusion

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a complex autoimmune disorder that requires a multifaceted approach for effective management. While first-line treatments focus on hormone replacement and lifestyle adjustments, emerging research suggests that spermidine might offer additional benefits. By promoting autophagy, modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting gut health, spermidine could be a valuable adjunct in managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Integrating spermidine into diet, either through food or supplementation, appears to be a promising avenue for improving the quality of life for those with this disorder.

References

[1] Madeo, F., Eisenberg, T., Pietrocola, F., & Kroemer, G. (2018). Spermidine in health and disease. Science, 359(6374), eaan2788

[2] Tao, T., Xu, H. (2020). Autophagy and Thyroid Disease. In: Le, W. (eds) Autophagy: Biology and Diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1207. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4272-5_31

[3] Karacay, C., Prietl, B., Harer, C., Ehall, B., Haudum, C. W., Bounab, K., Franz, J., Eisenberg, T., Madeo, F., Kolb, D., Hingerl, K., Hausl, M., Magnes, C., Mautner, S. I., Kotzbeck, P., & Pieber, T. R. (2022). The effect of spermidine on autoimmunity and beta cell function in NOD mice. Scientific reports, 12(1), 4502. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08168-2

[4] Mancini, A., Di Segni, C., Raimondo, S., Olivieri, G., Silvestrini, A., Meucci, E., & Currò, D. (2016). Thyroid hormones, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Mediators of Inflammation, 2016, 6757154. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6757154

[5] Liu R, Li X, Ma H, Yang Q, Shang Q, Song L, Zheng Z, Zhang S, Pan Y, Huang P, Fang J, Li Y, Liu Z, Cao L, Feng C, Gong Z, Chen Y, Wang Y, Melino G, Shao C, Shi Y. Spermidine endows macrophages anti-inflammatory properties by inducing mitochondrial superoxide-dependent AMPK activation, Hif-1α upregulation and autophagy. Free Radic Biol Med. 2020 Dec;161:339-350. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.10.029. Epub 2020 Oct 24. PMID: 33122005.

[6] Zhu, X., Zhang, C., Feng, S. et al. Intestinal microbiota regulates the gut-thyroid axis: the new dawn of improving Hashimoto thyroiditis. Clin Exp Med 24, 39 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-024-01304-4

[7] Cayres LCF, de Salis LVV, Rodrigues GSP, Lengert AVH, Biondi APC, Sargentini LDB, Brisotti JL, Gomes E, de Oliveira GLV. Detection of Alterations in the Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Permeability in Patients With Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Front Immunol. 2021 Mar 5;12:579140. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.579140. PMID: 33746942; PMCID: PMC7973118.

[8] Knezevic, J., Starchl, C., Tmava Berisha, A., & Amrein, K. (2020). Thyroid-Gut-Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function?. Nutrients, 12(6), 1769. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061769

[9] Ma, L., Ni, Y., Wang, Z., Tu, W., Ni, L., Zhuge, F., Zheng, A., Hu, L., Zhao, Y., Zheng, L., & Fu, Z. (2020). Spermidine improves gut barrier integrity and gut microbiota function in diet-induced obese mice. Gut microbes, 12(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2020.1832857

[10] Yan B, Mao X, Hu S, Wang S, Liu X, Sun J. Spermidine protects intestinal mucosal barrier function in mice colitis via the AhR/Nrf2 and AhR/STAT3 signaling pathways. Int Immunopharmacol. 2023 Jun;119:110166. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110166. Epub 2023 Apr 25. PMID: 37104918.

Georgia Pilling, BSc, Physiological Sciences (Newcastle University); MRes, Neuroscience (Newcastle University)

Georgia Pilling is a researcher interested in enhancing human longevity through optimizing physiological health and cognitive function. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Physiological Sciences (BSc) and a Master of Research in Neuroscience (MRes) from Newcastle University. Her particular area of intrigue is cognitive neuroscience, passionate about sharing practical strategies for improving brain function and overall mental well-being. In her free time, Georgia enjoys yoga, running, and experimenting with cooking.

FAQs

See all FAQs or contact us!

What is spermidine?

Spermidine is a powerful polyamine that promotes autophagy, the body’s cellular “clean-up” process, and inhibits 9 of the 12 scientifically identified root causes of aging, known as the “Hallmarks of Aging.” While two-thirds of the body’s spermidine is produced by the gut and body tissues, the remaining third comes from food. As we age, natural spermidine production declines, so maintaining youthful levels requires external sources, either from spermidine-rich foods or supplements like Primeadine.

What are the benefits of spermidine?

Studies link higher levels of spermidine with longevity. Human trials show that food-derived spermidine supports cognition, heart health, hormonal balance, hair growth, collagen production, and nail strength, with potential benefits for fertility and circadian rhythm. These effects stem from spermidine's ability to trigger autophagy—the body's cell renewal process—and inhibit nine of the twelve "Hallmarks of Aging," including inflammation, stem cell and mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut imbalance. Clients also report deeper sleep, increased energy, gray hair reversal, improved skin, and better gut health. Read this blog post to learn more.

What makes Primeadine superior to other spermidine supplements?

While we can’t speak directly about the formulation of other spermidine products, here are some of the main differentiators of Primeadine®/Oxford Healthspan.

We source our raw materials from Japan, which is known for its Nobel Prize-winning scientific leadership on autophagy, or cell renewal. Japan has the most rigorous quality control and testing policies in the world, meaning our ingredients have the most advanced extraction process and meet the incredibly high standards of the Japan Health Food and Nutrition Food Association. They are tested for heavy metals, mold, fungi, and bacteria at the Japan Food Research Lab (JFRL), a third party independent testing lab.
Every single batch is tested for its amount of food-derived spermidine so we ensure it contains the minimum effective dose of 1mg stated on our labels.
Primeadine® is manufactured in Japan in an FDA-registered and -inspected facility with ISO22000 standards, the highest in food quality control. It is then encapsulated in an FDA cGMP facility in the USA and undergoes purity testing there as well at Eurofins or Delta.
Our capsules and tablets do not contain any synthetic ingredients, whereas other supplements typically contain magnesium stearate (of which circa 80% has hydrogenated fats in it; the supplement industry is not legally required to get rid of hydrogenated oils the way the processed food industry has been mandated by law to), shellac, talc and glycerin. Our products are all suitable for vegans. Learn more about our sourcing, quality, and testing standards.
The Primeadine® Original formulation includes a special type of prebiotic fiber, called FOS (fructooligosaccharide), that selectively feeds the friendly, spermidine-producing bacteria in the gut microbiome. The idea is to increase both supplemental, or 'exogenous' spermidine, as well as encourage your own body's natural ability to produce spermidine in your gut microbiome.
Primeadine® GF comes from a sub-strain of chlorella singled out from over 100 others because it alone contains a high level of spermidine and also contains putrescine, the precursor polyamine to both spermine and spermidine. Our chlorella is grown in the nutrient-abundant longevity islands of Okinawa, Japan, and exposed to sunlight to increase the chlorophyll and other nutrient content, such as vitamins D and K, which together help drive calcium to the bones. We combine the chlorella with two other anti-inflammatories and autophagy inducers, Okinawan turmeric and nobiletin (from Okinawan "Shikuwasa" citrus lime peel).
We do not use liposomes in Primeadine® because this is unnecessary for absorption and would prevent the benefits that happen when spermidine is exposed directly to the gut lining. There is no evidence that spermidine cannot be taken up by the cells on its own. Similar to amino acids, polyamines do not need a liposome to cross into the cell or to be taken up with epithelial cells. The process of creating a liposomal version also creates unnecessary expense.
We do not synthetically enrich our product with synthetic spermidine. Be wary of labels that say "wheat germ with spermidine" as this indicates that the wheat germ has been soaked in synthetic spermidine, thereby increasing the overall amount of spermidine but meaning it is no longer a natural source.
We do not use doses beyond what the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has mandated as safe for human consumption, which is 6mg daily. Please note that this is related to food-derived spermidine. Synthetic spermidine and synthetically enriched spermidine have never been tested in humans for safety or efficacy and are being sold without regulatory oversight.
We work closely with our scientific and clinical advisers at the University of Oxford and abroad, all of whom take our product and share it with their loved ones. Learn more about our scientific advisory board here.
We are also the only non-Japanese member of the Japan Autophagy Consortium, whose Senior Adviser is the 2016 Nobel Prize Winner in Medicine or Physiology, Prof Yoshimori Ohsumi, and whose Director is Prof Tamotsu Yoshimori, Osaka University. Prof Yoshimori conducted all of the mammalian research in autophagy that helped underpin Prof Ohsumi's work in yeast cells. Find out more about our story here.

What is the best spermidine dose to take?

The US FDA has not set a safe upper limit for food-derived spermidine, but the European Food Safety Authority considers up to 6 mg safe. Most studies use a daily dose of 1 mg of natural spermidine, along with spermine and putrescine, which are absent in synthetic versions. Synthetic spermidine has not been tested for human safety or efficacy.

Why is your spermidine supplement more expensive compared to other products I see on the internet?

We prioritize the highest quality, avoiding common additives like industrial seed oils, magnesium stearate, and talc often used in supplements. Unlike cheap synthetic spermidine often "cut" into products, we use food-derived spermidine sourced and manufactured in Japan under strict regulatory standards. Our products undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure purity and effectiveness. This commitment to quality, like choosing the best ingredients for a child’s birthday cake, is our guiding philosophy.

Our customer support is available Monday to Friday.Average answer time: 24h

Join us on social media to learn more!