Spermidine Content in Wheat Germ
A teaspoon of wheat germ contains approximately 5-7 mg of spermidine. 1, 2
Wheat Germ as a Source of Spermidine
- Wheat germ is one of the richest natural sources of polyamines, particularly spermidine, containing between 220-337 μg/g (or 0.22-0.34 mg/g) of total polyamines 1
- The germ portion represents only about 2.5-3.8% of the total wheat seed weight but contains concentrated nutrients including polyamines 2
- Commercial wheat germ products typically contain higher amounts of spermidine compared to manually separated wheat germ from germinated grain 1
Measurement and Serving Size Context
- A standard teaspoon of wheat germ weighs approximately 2.5-3 grams 3
- Based on the concentration range of 0.22-0.34 mg of spermidine per gram of wheat germ, a teaspoon would provide approximately 0.55-1.02 mg of spermidine 1
- Processing methods can affect the bioactive compound content, with minimally processed wheat germ generally preserving more nutrients 4
Health Implications of Spermidine Intake
- Spermidine has been associated with autophagy activation and improved mitochondrial function in various tissues 4
- Tissue levels of spermidine naturally decline with age in humans, though they remain unusually high in healthy centenarians 4
- Supplementation of spermidine (1.2 mg/day) using a wheat germ extract has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in older adults with subjective cognitive decline 5
Practical Considerations
- For those seeking to increase spermidine intake, wheat germ can be incorporated into various foods such as cereals, yogurt, or baked goods 2
- Wheat germ should be stored properly (cool, dry place or refrigerated) to prevent rancidity of its oils and preserve bioactive compounds 2
- Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid wheat germ and consider alternative spermidine sources such as aged cheese, nuts, or soybeans 4