In the world of longevity, few molecules have aroused as much scientific interest in recent years as the espermidine. This natural compound, present in all living organisms, appears to play a key role in cellular maintenance, the prevention of ageing and the improvement of metabolic and brain health.
But what exactly is spermidine and why do longevity experts consider it a "youth nutrient"?
What is spermidine
The espermidine is a polyamine - a type of organic molecule - discovered in the 17th century by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. It is named after its first identified source, semen, although we now know that it is present in all living tissues and in many foods: wheat germ, soya, cured cheeses, mushrooms, pulses, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
In the organism, spermidine is involved in essential processes such as the cellular growth, DNA repair, protein stability and the elimination of molecular waste. However, their levels decline with age, contributing to ageing and the onset of degenerative diseases.
The good news is that we can increase their levels through food, through specific supplements, and even naturally through the action of our gut microbiotaIt is capable of producing it when it is balanced.
How it works: clean, repair and protect
One of the most intriguing functions of spermidine is its ability to activate the autophagya cellular mechanism for cleaning and recycling. This process eliminates damaged proteins and organelles, preventing them from accumulating and generating dysfunctions.
Studies published in Nature Cell Biology y Science demonstrated that spermidine prolongs service life from yeasts, flies, worms and even human immune cells. Its rejuvenating power appears to be related to three major actions:
- Induces autophagyoptimising cellular function.
- Reduces chronic inflammationone of the major accelerators of ageing.
- Protects DNA from oxidative damageby reinforcing genetic repair mechanisms.
In addition, it has been observed that modulates the immune responseimproves the cardiovascular functionprotects against neurodegeneration and helps regulating glucose and fat metabolism.
Beyond ageing: benefits throughout the body
Research suggests that spermidine may play a protective role against diseases such as:
- Cancerby promoting autophagy and limiting abnormal cell proliferation.
- Cardiovascular pathologiesby improving endothelial function and lowering blood pressure.
- Neurodegenerative disordersThe neuroprotective effect of the product has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect.
- Type 2 diabetesby optimising insulin sensitivity.
- Osteoporosisby stimulating the formation of new bone tissue.
- Obesityby improving fat metabolism.
- Fertilityespecially in men, by promoting sperm maturation and motility.
Ultimately, spermidine not only promotes longevity, but also acts as a a global regulator of cellular balancehelping the body to function more efficiently at any age.
How to increase spermidine levels
The simplest and most natural way to enhance it is to through diet. Some of the foods richest in spermidine are:
- Wheat germ
- Soybeans and derivatives such as tofu
- Cured cheeses (blue, cheddar, parmesan)
- Shiitake and maitake mushrooms
- Pulses (lentils, chickpeas)
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits such as apple, pear or mango
- Vegetables such as peas, broccoli and cauliflower
- Fish and seafood, especially mackerel and squid
They can also be used spermidine supplementsbut always under professional advice and without substituting a balanced diet.
Maintain a healthy gut microbiota is another essential pillar: a diet rich in fibre, fermented foods and regular physical activity promote their natural production in the gut.
A tool for measuring impact
Measuring how we age is as important as taking care of how we live. That is why technologies such as the test GlycanAgeThe study, which analyses biological age at the molecular level, shows how habits such as diet, exercise and spermidine supplementation influence cellular longevity.
The test is performed with a simple blood sample and provides a personalised reading of the real state of biological ageing, beyond chronological age.
The new era of cellular wellness
Spermidine is much more than a fad in longevity science. It represents a new understanding of health: from the cell to everyday life.
Incorporating it through diet, taking care of the microbiota and relying on biological measurement tools allows us to approach wellbeing from a holistic, evidence-based and preventive perspective.
Because the secret of living longer - and better - is not just in the years we live, but in the energy, clarity and vitality with which we live them.
