Spermidine may boost vaccine response in older adults, study finds
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
A naturally occurring compound called spermidine may help strengthen vaccine responses in some older adults, according to a small pilot trial published in Aging Cell. Researchers gave spermidine supplements to adults over 65 after their third COVID-19 vaccine dose and observed higher antibody levels and stronger activity against several variants. The biggest improvements appeared among those whose immune systems initially responded poorly.
The Study
The research, led by Dr. Katja Simon of the Max Delbrück Center and Dr. Ghada Alsaleh of the University of Oxford, enrolled 40 healthy adults aged 65 and older. Participants took either 6 mg of spermidine or a placebo daily for 13 weeks after their third COVID-19 vaccination. The findings, published in Aging Cell, showed improved immune measures in the spermidine group, particularly among those with poor initial responses.
Spermidine Sources
Spermidine is produced naturally by human cells and found in foods such as wheat germ, mushrooms, parmesan, and cheddar cheese. Earlier research suggests the compound may support cellular maintenance mechanisms that decline with age. The study adds to evidence that dietary interventions could mitigate immunosenescence, the gradual weakening of the immune system in older adults.
Broader Implications
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that older adults often develop fewer protective antibodies and T cells after vaccination, a pattern also seen with influenza vaccines. The study involved researchers from the Oxford Vaccine Group and Cardiff University. If confirmed in larger trials, spermidine could offer a low-cost strategy to improve vaccine efficacy in aging populations.
What's Next
Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm spermidine's benefits across different vaccines and age groups. It remains unclear whether the compound's effects persist beyond the 13-week study period or translate into reduced infection rates.
1 source
Spermidine may boost vaccine response in older adults, study finds
