A nutrient derived from dolphins trained by the Navy may be key to living longer
In this DML Report…
A study published in Nature Metabolism by Columbia University researchers identified spermidine, a nutrient found in foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, soy products, legumes, corn, and whole grains, as a potential factor in extending lifespan. The research, led by Dr. Beyza Vahid, analyzed dietary data from over 1,700 participants in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003-2014, alongside death records up to 2019. It found that higher spermidine intake—about 22-24 milligrams daily—was linked to a 33% lower risk of death from any cause, even after adjusting for variables like age, sex, race, income, smoking, drinking, exercise, and BMI. Lab tests on mice showed spermidine supplementation extended their lives by up to 25%.
Spermidine works by triggering autophagy, a cellular cleanup process that removes damaged components, potentially slowing aging and reducing disease risk. The study confirmed this mechanism in mice, where higher spermidine levels reduced inflammation markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6 by 40%, hinting at protection against heart disease and other age-related conditions. In humans, those with the highest spermidine intake had blood levels averaging 15 micromoles per liter, compared to 10 micromoles in the lowest group. Foods richest in spermidine include aged cheddar (20 mg per 100g), shiitake mushrooms (9 mg per 100g), and soybeans (17 mg per 100g), while supplements offer 1-10 mg per dose. The researchers noted most Americans consume only 12-14 mg daily, well below the optimal range.
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Despite the findings, experts like Dr. James Brown from Aston University caution that the human data is observational, not proving spermidine directly extends life, and mouse results don’t always translate to humans. The study found no significant link between spermidine and lower heart disease deaths specifically, though overall mortality benefits held. Columbia’s team is planning randomized trials to test spermidine supplements, but for now, they suggest increasing dietary intake through natural sources. Overconsumption risks are low—mice tolerated doses up to 100 mg per kg of body weight with no toxicity—but long-term human effects remain unstudied. The research adds to evidence from prior Japanese and European studies linking spermidine to longevity.