Protocol
Spermidine supplementation
spermidine · polyamine supplementation · spermidine trihydrochloride · wheat germ extract spermidine
The headline longevity claims rest on model organisms: spermidine extends lifespan and induces autophagy in yeast, worms, flies and mice. Human data is thinner and largely null. The SmartAge randomised controlled trial gave 0.9 mg/day of spermidine to 100 older adults with subjective cognitive decline for 12 months and did not demonstrate the hoped-for cognitive benefit. Separately, two pharmacokinetic studies found that oral spermidine, even at 40 mg/day (over 40 times the SmartAge dose), has minimal effect on circulating plasma and salivary polyamine levels, which raises a basic question about whether oral supplementation reaches tissues at all. Remaining human work is small pilot or blend-formulation studies, including a 2026 pilot on immune senescence and vaccine response, none of which are confirmatory. Supportive observational data on dietary polyamine intake is confounded by overall diet quality. In short: strong mechanism, strong animal data, no demonstrated human healthspan outcome, and unresolved bioavailability.
At a glance
- Evidence
- Preclinical
- Singapore (HSA)
- Sold at retail in Singapore as a health supplement. Under HSA's post-market framework, health supplements are not subject to pre-market approval or licensing by HSA for importation, manufacture or sale; dealers carry the obligation to ensure safety and quality, and notification to HSA is voluntary. Spermidine is therefore legally available but has not been evaluated or approved by HSA for any indication. Retail availability is not a clinical endorsement.
- Australia (TGA)
- No TGA position on file
- Offered at
- No clinic on file
Singapore
Health Sciences Authority
- HSA status
- Sold at retail in Singapore as a health supplement. Under HSA's post-market framework, health supplements are not subject to pre-market approval or licensing by HSA for importation, manufacture or sale; dealers carry the obligation to ensure safety and quality, and notification to HSA is voluntary. Spermidine is therefore legally available but has not been evaluated or approved by HSA for any indication. Retail availability is not a clinical endorsement.
- In our SG set
- Tracked in Singapore
- SG clinics
- None on file
Australia
Therapeutic Goods Administration
- TGA status
- No position on file
- In our AU set
- Not tracked in Australia
- AU clinics
- None on file
Evidence is not approvalAn evidence grade describes how strong the science is. A regulatory status describes whether a body has approved the intervention for an indication. They are different questions, answered separately above.
What it is
Plain-language explainer
Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in food (wheat germ, aged cheese, soy, mushrooms) and produced endogenously. It is sold as an oral supplement, typically as a wheat germ extract standardised for spermidine content. It is claimed to induce autophagy, the cellular recycling process, and thereby slow biological ageing and protect cognition.
Categories
Protocol
Keep reading
Related coverage from the newsroom.
Sources
What this profile is built on
- Regulatory overview of health supplements · Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Singapore
- Spermidine supplementation randomised controlled trials in humans (search results) · PubMed, US National Library of Medicine
Every entity profile on variis is sourced. Not medical advice.