Spermidine and Biogenic Polyamines
What is Spermidine?
Spermidine is a naturally occurring biogenic polyamine found in living organisms and also in numerous foods. Plant-based foods such as wheat germ, other cereal germs, legumes, and soy products can contain relevant amounts of spermidine. Together with spermine, putrescine, and cadaverine, spermidine belongs to the group of biogenic polyamines.
In the human body, spermidine is involved in various cellular processes, including autophagy. Autophagy is a natural mechanism through which cells break down and recycle certain cellular components. As a result, spermidine has attracted increasing scientific and commercial interest in recent years, particularly in the field of food supplements and functional foods.
However, findings from animal and cell studies cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Potential health effects associated with increased spermidine intake therefore remain the subject of ongoing research.
Spermidine Analysis at a Glance
• Quantitative determination of spermidine using LC-MS/MS
• Simultaneous determination of other related polyamines such as spermine, putrescine, and cadaverine
• Suitable for raw materials, extracts, and finished products
• Support with product specifications and quality control
• Wheat germ and other cereal germ products
• Food supplements
• Legumes
• Soy and soy products
• Edible algae
• Other spermidine-containing foods and raw materials
Which Products Are Particularly Relevant?
Spermidine occurs naturally in many foods. However, its concentration can vary considerably depending on the raw material and product.
Wheat germ and other cereal germs are particularly relevant, as they are also used as raw materials for spermidine-containing food supplements. In addition, spermidine may be of interest in legumes, soy products, algae, and other plant-based foods.
For manufacturers, analytical testing can therefore be useful both for products containing naturally occurring spermidine and for products specifically formulated with spermidine-rich ingredients or extracts.
Why Should Products Be Tested for Spermidine?
With the growing market for spermidine-containing food supplements and functional foods, reliable determination of the actual spermidine content is becoming increasingly important.
In the EU, spermidine-rich wheat germ extract is authorized as a Novel Food and is therefore subject to defined requirements regarding its composition and use. The extract must contain at least 0.8 mg and no more than 2.4 mg of spermidine per gram.
Analytical testing can therefore help companies to:
• Verify the spermidine content of raw materials and finished products
• Check compliance with relevant product specifications
• Ensure consistent quality across different batches
• Support correct product labeling
• Strengthen internal quality assurance
Biogenic Polyamine Analysis at GALAB
For spermidine-rich wheat germ extract, the spermidine content is not the only relevant parameter. The EU specifications for the authorized Novel Food also define requirements for other biogenic polyamines. A spermine content of 0.4 to 1.2 mg/g is specified, while putrescine is limited to < 0.3 mg/g and cadaverine to ≤ 16 µg/g.
Assessing these compounds enables a more comprehensive evaluation of the composition of wheat germ extract. Putrescine and cadaverine, in particular, can be formed in foods as a result of microbial and enzymatic degradation processes and are therefore also regarded as potential indicators of changes in product quality. For spermidine-rich wheat germ extract, the specified values also serve to ensure that the authorized Novel Food complies with the required composition specifications.
In addition to spermidine, GALAB can quantitatively determine spermine, putrescine, and cadaverine. This makes it possible to assess the relevant polyamines together and to verify raw materials and extracts with regard to their composition and applicable product specifications.
The analytical approach is adapted to the respective product and sample matrix. This provides manufacturers and distributors with a reliable basis for the quality control of spermidine-rich wheat germ extracts, food supplements, and other spermidine-containing products.
Interested in spermidine testing?
Get in touch with our experts to discuss your testing needs and receive a tailored quote.
Parameters & Analytical Methods
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State-of-the-Art Analysis
We constantly update our spectrum of parameters to the latest developments in the food analysis sector and offer state-of-the-art analytical methods for the safety of your products.
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Comprehensive multi-methods
We are constantly expanding our range of services in order to be able to guarantee you a comprehensive range of analyses. We offer multi-methods for mycotoxins, dioxin analysis or molecular biological analysis for GMOs and allergens. The GALAB Pesticide500Plus® multi-method can even be used for difficult matrices such as spices and herbs.
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Constant development
If you cannot find the parameter/analysis you are looking for here, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our research and development department implements your requirements and specifications cost-efficiently and with a high quality standard.
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Quality Policy
GALAB Laboratories has implemented a quality management system to allow for optimum service for their customers. It is our goal to establish close relations to customers by customer satisfaction. Therefor quick reactions to customers’ specific needs as well as considerations for quality demands of the market are necessary. We strive to provide comprehensive and professional advice to our customers. Learn more
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