Spermidine
Polyamine that triggers autophagy, the cellular cleanup process. Naturally occurring in wheat germ and aged cheese. The longevity-research darling of the late 2010s.
What it actually is
Not a peptide. Spermidine is a polyamine (small organic molecule with multiple amine groups), produced naturally in cells and present in food. It directly activates autophagy, the process by which cells digest damaged organelles and proteins. Levels decline materially with age.
Why peptide users come across it
Mechanism
Inhibits acetyltransferases on histones, triggering downstream autophagy gene expression. Direct activator of cellular cleanup pathways. Theoretical lifespan extension in model organisms (yeast, flies, mice) at translation-relevant doses.
Documented dose range
Side effects
- GI upset on high doses
- Theoretical concern in active cancer (autophagy is dual-role)
Contraindications
- Active cancer (autophagy can paradoxically protect tumor cells in some contexts)
- Pregnancy (insufficient data on supplemental doses)
The Pepdex take
Strong observational signal from the wheat-germ epidemiology data. Weak intervention data so far. The supplements market is wildly variable on actual content, third-party COA matters a lot here. If you're already eating aged cheese and wheat-germ-fortified foods, supplementing on top adds uncertain marginal benefit.
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