Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? See the answers to the questions we get asked the most below! If you didn't get your answer, head to our Contact page or email support@oxfordhealthspan.com.
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 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.
Why does it matter if spermidine is synthetic or not?
Synthetic spermidine is a 2D mimic, lacking the full 3D structure our bodies naturally recognize from plant-derived molecules. We’ve tested products labeled “wheat germ with spermidine” and found they often contain minimal wheat germ mixed with synthetic spermidine—high dose, low cost, but unproven in safety or efficacy. Unlike synthetic versions, food-derived spermidine has been tested for safety and efficacy in humans. It also contains beneficial, naturally co-occurring polyamines like spermine and putrescine, which are more bioavailable and enhance the body’s spermidine recycling process, making lower doses effective
What makes Primeadine® the best spermidine supplement?
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.
How long does it take to see results?
We recommend taking Primeadine® consistently for at least 18 weeks to experience benefits, with best results from ongoing use. Read this blog post for more information.
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.
Which foods are highest in spermidine?
With respect to food sources, spermidine is found in the greatest amounts in concentrated wheat germ, found in Primeadine® Original, and the Japanese fermented soybean dish known as natto. It is also found in the endosperm of all seeds and legumes, signaling its importance to the survival of the next generation of the plant. A unique sub-strain of the algae chlorella, found in the longevity islands of Okinawa, Japan, is also rich in spermidine and what we use in Primeadine® GF.
Shiitake mushrooms, peas and long matured cheeses, including Cheddar and Parmesean, also contain spermidine, but the amounts will vary from batch to batch and depend on growing, soil and harvesting conditions.
Are Primeadine® bottles recyclable?
Yes, all of our Primeadine® bottles are made of recycled grade 1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE). PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles are widely used in the supplement industry and offer some sustainability benefits:
- They are lightweight, reducing transportation emissions.
- PET is widely recyclable.
- PET bottles can be made with 100% recycled content (which ours are).
- Plastic bottles generally have a lower carbon footprint than glass bottles, despite common misconceptions!
Is spermidine a medical treatment?
No. Primeadine® spermidine is a naturally-occurring compound that is wholly derived from food sources. It is not classed as medical treatment.
Does Primeadine® contain FODMAPs?
•Primeadine® GF does not contain any FODMAPs and is appropriate for those on a low FODMAP diet.
•Primeadine® Original is a concentrated wheat germ supplement and, like all wheat germ, contains FODMAPs.
I have been diagnosed with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). Is this suitable for me?
•Primeadine® GF does not contain any FODMAPs that might make SIBO worse. However, we recommend checking with your healthcare practitioner if you are on a special diet.
•Primeadine® Original is a source of FODMAPs and may not be suitable for individuals with SIBO.
I am celiac. Is this safe for me?
•Primeadine® GF is suitable for celiacs as it does not contain any wheat, barley, rye or gluten.
•Primeadine® Original is not suitable for celiacs. It contains wheat and gluten.
Does Primeadine® contain wheat, gluten, or soy?
•Primeadine® GF does not contain any wheat, gluten or soy.
•Primeadine® Original contains wheat and gluten, but no soy. The amount of gluten per serving size is <40mgs. A standard slice of American bread will have between 1,000 - 2,000mgs of gluten. Primeadine® Original contains 1/50th to 1/100th the amount of gluten in a single slice of bread.
Where can I buy this product?
Orders are available from our website, which offers secure payment through Shopify and select wholesalers.
How clean is your product?
Primeadine® is manufactured in Japan in a GMP-compliant, ISO22000-certified facility, with regular FDA inspections. Quality and purity are verified by the independent Japan Food Research Lab (JFRL). Once in the U.S., the product undergoes further testing for heavy metals, molds, and impurities before encapsulation and bottling in a U.S. FDA-registered GMP facility. Learn more here.
How will I know Primeadine® is working for me?
Individual results will vary. The first thing many of our clients notice is a positive difference in their sleep quality, as noticed on their wearable sleep tracking devices. Your nails might need to be trimmed more frequently (a sign of increased cell turnover) and this will be happening in your skin and hair (which typically shows changes around 6-12 weeks). We recommend trying Primeadine® for at least 18 weeks to see if it works for you, with best results seen with continuous use. You can learn more in this blog post.
Are there any contraindications or side effects?
Primeadine Original:
Contains concentrated wheat germ, so it's unsuitable for those with Celiac disease, wheat allergies, or those on Autoimmune Paleo, Carnivore, or Lectin-free diets. Consult your healthcare provider if unsure.
It also contains a prebiotic fiber, which may not be well-tolerated by those with SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) or that find it difficult to digest legumes.
For a gluten-free option without added prebiotic fiber, try Primeadine GF.
Allergens: Wheat and gluten.
Primeadine GF:
- The formula contains natural Vitamin K2, a coagulating agent, so avoid it with blood thinners.
- If you have hemochromatosis, consult your healthcare provider due to the iron content.
- Do not take if allergic to chlorella, citrus, or turmeric. Discontinue use if you experience any negative reactions.
Do you have an affiliate/clinician/practitioner program?
Can I stock your product in my e-commerce store/pharmacy/clinic?
Yes! Please fill out our wholesaler application form and then we will contact you to discuss suitability and next steps.
Can I double/triple/quadruple my dosage?
We recommend consulting with your practitioner if considering more than the recommended 1mg daily dose. While there are no FDA guidelines, the European Food Safety Agency deems up to 6mg from wheat germ-derived spermidine supplements safe.
Can I take Primeadine® if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
We haven't tested Primeadine® for safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so please consult your ob/gyn before use.
It is worth noting that spermidine is naturally abundant in babies and breast milk to support growth and gut health. Primeadine is also wholly food-derived, rigorously tested for purity, free from fillers and flow agents, and defatted to eliminate potentially rancid PUFAs.
When is the best time to take Primeadine®?
We suggest taking Primeadine® with water at your last meal to kickstart autophagy before bed, or with your breakfast to extend those benefits.
If well tolerated with food, you may experiment with taking it just before bed or first thing in the morning.
Where should I store my Primeadine® bottles?
Please store your bottles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
If I subscribe, can I cancel it?
Yes! You can cancel your subscription at any time after creating it from the subscriber portal.
Where do I cancel or manage my subscription?
In your subscriber portal via this link. Please use the email address you used to create your subscription.