Why Does David Sinclair Take Spermidine?

In his quest for healthy ageing, Dr. David Sinclair's research explores how spermidine could mimic the effects of calorie restriction (CR) to combat the negative aspects of ageing. He focuses on understanding spermidine's unique impacts on the body, highlighting its well-tolerated nature as a practical option compared to strict fasting. His pioneering work at Harvard imagines a future where a single pill could transform how we treat age-related illnesses, potentially rejuvenating the body. His studies reveal spermidine's diverse approach to tackling ageing, representing a significant advancement in interventions that could change how we view getting older while promoting better health and longer life spans. (Madeo et al., 2018)

Dr David Sinclair: A Leading Figure in Ageing Research

David A. Sinclair, A.O., PhD, is a distinguished figure in the field of ageing research, holding a tenured professorship at Harvard Medical School's Department of Genetics and serving as President of the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research. With over two decades of experience and a PhD in molecular genetics from M.I.T., Sinclair has made significant strides in understanding the ageing process and devising strategies to mitigate its effects. His laboratory was at the forefront of discovering the role of NAD+ biosynthesis and sirtuins in lifespan regulation, influenced by caloric restriction. Sinclair's research ambitiously spans epigenetics, energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Outside academia, he has co-founded numerous biotech companies, acts as co-chief editor for the journal Ageing, and has been recognised with various awards, including inclusion in TIME magazine's lists of healthcare and global influencers. His bestselling book, "Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To," reflects his commitment to promoting healthy ageing through a balanced lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, and supplements—a regimen he adheres to, believing in its potential to maintain wellness and even reverse ageing aspects.

Why Does Sinclair Take Spermidine?

Dr. Sinclair takes spermidine because he believes in its ability to mimic the benefits of fasting. Spermidine is a polyamine that is naturally found in various sources, including sperm, plants, and the human body. It is a small molecule known for its protective effects against oxidative stress. One of its key functions is to induce autophagy, the body's ability to recycle old proteins and convert them back into amino acids for building new proteins.

“Research findings suggest that spermidine can extend the lifespan of flies, worms, yeast, and mouse species, showcasing its potential to promote longevity—a particularly remarkable aspect,"  according to Dr. Sinclair, given that there are very few molecules known to have such an impact.

Spermidine holds immense potential for promoting health and longevity based on its multifaceted effects on various biological processes. Increased polyamine levels, through diet or supplementation, are associated with improved health and reduced mortality. In preclinical models, it extends lifespan, counters oxidative stress, and induces autophagy, vital for cellular renewal. Spermidine inhibits histone acetyltransferases, aiding epigenetic regulation and longevity. It improves metabolic health, combats diet-induced issues in mice, and delays age-related cognitive decline. By activating autophagy, it emerges as a promising intervention against age-related deterioration, addressing damaged cellular structures. Its potential to mitigate ageing makes it a compelling avenue for overall health and longevity.

Aligned with his research findings and strong conviction in spermidine's advantages, Dr. Sinclair has integrated it into his everyday practices. Specifically, he consumes a 1 mg dose of spermidine each morning. (Guarente et al., 2024; Eisenberg et al., 2009c)

Proven Clinical Trials of Spermidine

There haven't been many human trials on spermidine yet, but a few studies have been done, and here's what they found.

Cognition

Researchers have been studying spermidine to see if it can help improve brain function and prevent the buildup of harmful proteins like Amyloid-β peptide (aβ) in the brain, which are often associated with Alzheimer's disease. In a study led by Claudia Schwarz, they looked at older adults who felt their memory was getting worse and healthy individuals. They found that those who ate more spermidine-rich foods, as part of a Mediterranean diet, had healthier brain areas related to memory and Alzheimer's disease. Another study observed that people with mild to moderate memory problems showed better cognitive skills after taking spermidine supplements, suggesting it might help protect against dementia in older adults. Moreover, a short-term study with people without any memory issues found that taking a spermidine  supplement could slightly improve their memory and thinking skills, indicating that spermidine could also act as a brain protector for healthy individuals.

Mortality

Some studies suggest that spermidine might contribute positively to lifespan and overall health. In a clinical trial with 829 participants aged 45 to 84, researchers explored the relationship between spermidine intake and human mortality. They noted a consistent reduction in all-cause mortality as spermidine consumption increased. Supported by adjusted cumulative mortality rates and hazard ratios, the study showed a significant link across different groups and was independently confirmed. The difference in mortality risk between high and low spermidine intake in the study was comparable to a 5.7-year difference in age, indicating that a diet rich in spermidine could be associated with an extended healthspan. Although spermidine shows potential in promoting healthy ageing through enhanced autophagy, further clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Sinclair's use of spermidine supplement elaborates its potential in promoting healthy ageing and longevity. By triggering autophagy, countering oxidative stress, and improving metabolic health spermidine presents a promising avenue for combating age-related decline. Clinical trials hint at spermidine's cognitive benefits and its association with reduced mortality, suggesting it could offer potential therapeutic advantage in various health conditions. While further research, particularly in human trials, is essential, spermidine emerges as a compelling intervention for enhancing overall well-being and improving lifespan.

References 

Madeo, F., Eisenberg, T., Pietrocola, F., & Kroemer, G. (2018). Spermidine in health and disease. Science, 359(6374). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan2788

Eisenberg, T., Knauer, H., Schauer, A., Büttner, S., Ruckenstuhl, C., Carmona-Gutiérrez, D., Ring, J., Schroeder, S., Magnes, C., Antonacci, L., Fussi, H., Deszcz, L., Hartl, R., Schraml, E., Criollo, A., Megalou, E., Weiskopf, D., Laun, P., Heeren, G., . . . Madeo, F. (2009c). Induction of autophagy by spermidine promotes longevity. Nature Cell Biology, 11(11), 1305–1314. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb1975 

Minois, N., Carmona-Gutiérrez, D., Bauer, M. A., Rockenfeller, P., Eisenberg, T., Brandhorst, S., Sigrist, S. J., Kroemer, G., & Madeo, F. (2012). Spermidine promotes stress resistance in Drosophila melanogaster through autophagy-dependent and -independent pathways. Cell Death and Disease, 3(10), e401. https://doi.org/10.1038/cddis.2012.139

Guarente, L., Sinclair, D., & Kepp, O. (2024). Human trials exploring anti-aging medicines. Cell Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.007 

Schwarz, C., Horn, N., Benson, G., Calzado, I. W., Wurdack, K., Pechlaner, R., Grittner, U., Wirth, M., & Flöel, A. (2020). Spermidine intake is associated with cortical thickness and hippocampal volume in older adults. NeuroImage, 221, 117132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117132 

Pekar, T., Bruckner, K., Pauschenwein-Frantsich, S. et al. The positive effect of spermidine in older adults suffering from dementia. Wien Klin Wochenschr 133, 484–491 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-020-01758-y 

Wirth, M., Benson, G., Schwarz, C., Köbe, T., Grittner, U., Schmitz, D., Sigrist, S. J., Bohlken, J., Stekovic, S., Madeo, F., & Flöel, A. (2018). The effect of spermidine on memory performance in older adults at risk for dementia: A randomized controlled trial. Cortex, 109, 181–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2018.09.014 

Kiechl, S., Pechlaner, R., Willeit, P., Notdurfter, M., Paulweber, B., Willeit, K., Werner, P., Ruckenstuhl, C., Iglseder, B., Weger, S., Mairhofer, B., Gärtner, M., Kedenko, L., Chmelíková, M., Stekovic, S., Stuppner, H., Oberhollenzer, F., Kroemer, G., Mayr, M., . . . Willeit, J. (2018). Higher spermidine intake is linked to lower mortality: a prospective population-based study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 108(2), 371–380. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy102 

FAQs

1) How much spermidine does Dr Sinclair take?

Dr. David Sinclair takes 1 mg of spermidine every morning. He believes it can mimic the effects of fasting, and it activates autophagy, aiding in cellular waste removal, which is known to promote longevity.

2) Does spermidine work?

Yes, spermidine offers holistic health benefits, clinical studies have proven it improves cognition and may lower mortality. Linked to enhanced cognitive function and brain health, particularly in Alzheimer’s -related areas. Consistently incorporating spermidine supplements into your routine can enhance your overall well-being and promote longevity.

3) When should you take Decode Age Spermidine?

For individuals aged 18–50, a recommended daily intake is 10 mg or one capsule of Decode Age Spermidine. Those over 50 are advised to take a higher dosage of 20 mg or two capsules. It is optimal to take one capsule in the morning and one at night, preferably after meals. 

4) Does spermidine have side effects?

Spermidine is a naturally occurring substance in the body and is also found in various foods. Research indicates that spermidine supplements are generally safe and easily tolerated, with no reported adverse effects. Numerous studies have been conducted on spermidine, confirming its tolerability. However, like any supplement, individuals experiencing adverse reactions should discontinue use and seek medical advice promptly.

5) Does spermidine improve sleep?

The use of spermidine has demonstrated an enhancement in sleep quality in pre clinical studies. Currently, the connection between spermidine levels in humans and aspects of slow-wave sleep (SWS) physiology remains unexplored but could prove valuable for potential therapeutic approaches.