Autophagy

The Benefits of Spermidine: A Full Breakdown

Skin cell rejuvenation | Oxford Healthspan

Spermidine is revered in the longevity world for its ability to target aging from within by activating cellular renewal, reducing inflammation, promoting gut health, and rejuvenating stem cells and mitochondria. But what are the mechanisms that make spermidine the perfect healthy aging tool? 

The Hallmarks of Aging: A Root Cause Approach

Aging is characterized by several key processes that gradually impair our bodily functions. These "Hallmarks of Aging" include gut dysbiosis, chronic inflammation or “inflammaging”, stem cell and mitochondrial dysfunction, and telomere shortening [1]. One of the most critical root causes of aging, since it impacts them all, is impaired autophagy (cellular renewal). 

Enhanced Autophagy: The Key Mechanism Behind it All

Autophagy is the body’s vital cellular “clean up” and recycling process. Essential for cellular health, when it slows down the whole body is negatively impacted, exacerbating age-related diseases and leading to the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, gray hair, a dull complexion, poor gut health, and more.

By stimulating autophagy, spermidine helps to rejuvenate cells, ensuring they function and regenerate properly. This cellular renewal is foundational to overall health, as the vitality of our cells directly influences the functioning of our entire body [2].

What are the Benefits of Spermidine?

Mimics the Benefits of Fasting

Fasting has been shown to provide various health benefits, primarily through the activation of autophagy. However, not everyone finds fasting easy or sustainable, especially women and those with thyroid conditions. Spermidine acts as a calorie restriction mimetic, offering the benefits of fasting without the need to significantly reduce caloric intake. This makes it easier to harness the health-promoting effects of autophagy.

Improves Sleep Quality & Circadian Rhythm

Sleep is a critical component of health, and many individuals experience disruptions in their sleep quality as they age. Spermidine has been found to improve sleep and reduce age-related sleep disturbances by modulating some of the clock genes that regulate the circadian rhythm, which is our internal clock [3].

Users of Primeadine® have reported significant improvements in their Deep Sleep and Restfulness scores, as tracked by wearable sleep devices. Better sleep quality translates to improved overall well-being and cognitive function. Check out our 'Testimonials' page to read.

Additionally, you may see an uptick in your Heart Rate Variability (HRV). HRV is a key indicator of nervous system balance, resilience to stress, and overall health. A higher HRV is associated with better sleep and reduced stress.

Increases Energy & Vitality

In addition to enhancing autophagy, spermidine activates mitophagy – a process that clears out old and poorly functioning mitochondria. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, providing the energy needed for all cellular activities. When mitochondria are not functioning optimally, it can lead to low energy levels. By promoting the renewal of healthy mitochondria, spermidine helps to restore energy and vitality, leading to a renewed sense of stamina and vigor. 

Enhances Hair, Skin & Nails

Spermidine offers visible benefits for hair, skin, and nails. 

Promotes Hair Growth

In a human clinical trial, it was proven to promote hair growth by moving hair follicles from the shedding phase to the growth phase and keeping them in this phase longer [4, 5]. This is also when melanogenesis, the production of hair pigment, takes place, which is why some of our clients experience gray hair reversal. 

Cell Renewal = Skin & Nail Rejuvenation

Additionally, enhanced cellular renewal as a result of spermidine contributes to strong, healthy nails and bright, glowing skin, helping you look as good as you feel.

Will it get rid of my gray hair? 

Primeadine can help move hair follicles into the growth phase, potentially reversing gray hair as this is where melanogenesis takes place. However, gray hair is multifactorial and might require additional support like ensuring adequate thyroid function, vitamin D, iron, and B vitamins. It can also be caused by high stress levels, glutathione depletion, or the presence of an H Pylori infection in the stomach.

While low spermidine might not be the direct cause of your gray hair, you need enough of it in order to turn the hair back to its original color as your hair follicles must be in the growth phase for melanogenesis to occur.

Read our blog post on reversing gray hair naturally here.

Improves Brain Health, Memory & Cognition

Cognitive decline is a common concern with aging, but spermidine offers hope in this area as well. By stimulating autophagy, spermidine supports brain health and enhances cognitive function. A human clinical trial found that plant-derived spermidine can improve memory and cognition in older adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline [6]. Say goodbye to brain fog and welcome clearer, sharper thinking. 

Promotes Gut Health

Gut dysbiosis, which is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut microbiome, is one of the root causes of aging and a key indicator of poor gut health. Spermidine helps to combat this by sealing the tight junctions in the gut lining. Since the gut lining is only one cell thick, these are prone to becoming leaky and require support in sealing them up [7].

Primeadine Original contains a unique prebiotic fiber called FOS that feeds the healthy gut bacteria in the gut microbiome and has been linked to improved brain function in older individuals [8].

Supports Hormonal Balance

Hormonal balance is crucial for maintaining health, especially as we age. Spermidine has been found to positively influence hormone regulation, helping to stabilize levels of key hormones. 

Proven to reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, and increase the hormones that keep you youthful, fertile, and full of energy - progesterone, estradiol, DHEA, and  pregnenolone for women, and testosterone for men - spermidine is a crucial tool for hormonal equilibrium. A recent study also dubbed it “ground-breaking” for the world of fertility, showing it to improve egg quality in older mice through the induction of autophagy [9]. 

Supports Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular health is another critical aspect of aging well. Spermidine has been shown to support heart health by improving the function of endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels [10]. This can lead to better blood flow and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, spermidine's anti-inflammatory properties contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system, helping to maintain optimal heart function and reduce the risk of age-related cardiovascular issues.

Final Thoughts

As with most things, the key to real results is consistency. If you find it difficult to remember to take your supplements, we'd recommend checking out our blog post on 'How To Optimize Your Results with Primeadine'. 

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Feel free to reach out with any questions or share your success stories with us. We’re here to support you on your journey towards radiant wellness.

 You can find the answers to our most frequently asked questions here.

References

1. Lopez-Otin, C., Blasco, M.A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M. & Kroemer, G. (2023) Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell, 186(2), 243-278.

2. Eisenberg, T., Knauer, H., Schauer, A., Büttner, S., Ruckenstuhl, C., Carmona-Gutierrez, D., … & Fussi, H. (2009). Induction of autophagy by spermidine promotes longevity. Nature cell biology, 11(11), 1305-1314.

3. Zwighaft, Z., Aviram, R., Shalev, M., Rousso-Noori, L., Kraut-Cohen, J.,Golik, M., … & Asher, G. (2015). Circadian clock control by polyamine levels through a mechanism that declines with age. Cell metabolism, 22(5), 874-885.

4. Rinaldi, F., Marzani, B., Pinto, D., & Ramot, Y. (2017). A spermidine based nutritional supplement prolongs the anagen phase of hair follicles in humans: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 7(4), 17.

5. Ramot, Y., Tiede, S., Bíró, T., Bakar, M. H. A., Sugawara, K., Philpott, M. P., … & Paus, R. (2011). Spermidine promotes human hair growth and is a novel modulator of human epithelial stem cell functions. PLoS One, 6(7), e22564.

6.  Wirth, M., Benson, G., Schwarz, C., Köbe, T., Grittner, U., Schmitz, D., …& Flöel, A. (2018). The effect of spermidine on memory performance in older adults at risk for dementia: A randomized controlled trial. Cortex, 109, 181-188.

7. Ramos-Molina, B., Queipo-Ortuño, M. I., Lambertos, A., Tinahones, F. J., & Peñafiel, R. (2019). Dietary and gut microbiota polyamines in obesity-and age-related diseases. Frontiers in Nutrition, 6, 24.

8. Ni Lochlainn, M., Bowyer, R. C., Moll, J. M., García, M. P., Wadge, S., Baleanu, A., Nessa, A., Sheedy, A., Akdag, G., Hart, D., Raffaele, G., Seed, P. T., Murphy, C., Harridge, S. D., Welch, A. A., Greig, C., Whelan, K., & Steves, C. J. (2024). Effect of gut microbiome modulation on muscle function and cognition: The PROMOTe randomised controlled trial. Nature Communications, 15(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46116-y 

9. Zhang, Y., Bai, J., Cui, Z., Li, Y., Gao, Q., Miao, Y., & Xiong, B. (2023). Polyamine metabolite spermidine rejuvenates oocyte quality by enhancing mitophagy during female reproductive aging. Nature Aging, 3(11), 1372-1386. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-023-00498-8 

10. de Cabo R, Navas P. Spermidine to the rescue for an aging heart. Nat Med. 2016 Dec 6;22(12):1389-1390. doi: 10.1038/nm.4243. PMID: 27923032; PMCID: PMC5853099.

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