Spermidine (Wheat Germ Extract)
Also known as: spermidine-rich wheat germ extract, spermidineLIFE, spermidine trihydrochloride, polyamine
Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in wheat germ, aged cheese, soybeans, and mushrooms. It is studied for its role in autophagy, the cellular recycling process linked to healthy aging. Most commercial spermidine is a wheat germ extract standardized to about 1 mg spermidine per serving; purified spermidine salts are newer. Human evidence is limited: a 12-month RCT at 0.9 mg per day did not change memory outcomes, and a 40 mg per day purified-spermidine safety study reported no adverse findings.
Research summary
Induces autophagy by inhibiting EP300 acetyltransferase; also acts in polyamine metabolism supporting cell growth and stress responses.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1–6 mg | 40 mg | — |
Market servings deliver 1–6 mg spermidine, usually from wheat germ extract. The 12-month SmartAge trial used 0.9 mg daily without significant memory benefit, so effective human doses remain unclear. The highest dose studied, 40 mg daily of purified spermidine trihydrochloride, was a 28-day safety study, not an efficacy trial.
Standardization: wheat germ extract standardized to spermidine content (commonly 0.6–1.2% spermidine)
Source material: wheat germ extract
As supplied: A 1% spermidine wheat germ extract requires 100 mg extract per 1 mg spermidine; confirm the assay on the supplier CoA.
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Wheat germ extract is bulky at meaningful spermidine doses; capsule counts rise quickly above 2 mg. Contains wheat; label accordingly.
Formulation notes
Wheat-derived; gluten-containing unless a certified gluten-free grade is used.
- Allergen: wheat
Sources
- Effects of Spermidine Supplementation on Cognition and Biomarkers in Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Randomized Clinical Trial. (Schwarz, 2022)PubMed
- Supplementation of spermidine at 40 mg/day has minimal effects on circulating polyamines: An exploratory double-blind randomized controlled trial in older men. (Keohane, 2024)PubMed
- Examine — SpermidineExamine
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