Bryan Johnson is an entrepreneur who is focused on living as long as possible.
He has made recommendations about taking the compound spermidine and chlorella supplements.
In this post, we will share Bryan’s advice on spermidine and chlorella based on his Blueprint protocol and available research.
Overall Recommendations:
- Best Capsule Format: Double Wood Spermidine
- Best Powder Format: Micro Ingredients Chlorella
What is Spermidine?
Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine compound that is found in foods such as wheat germ, soybeans, green tea, and some fermented foods.
Polyamines like spermidine play important roles in cell growth and proliferation.
Research has shown that supplementing with spermidine can extend lifespan and healthspan in yeast, flies, worms, and mice.
Spermidine Research Overview
Multiple studies have demonstrated the longevity benefits of spermidine supplementation in animal models.
For example, adding spermidine to the culture media of yeast and fruit flies has been shown to increase lifespan compared to controls significantly.
Mouse studies also found that supplementing drinking water with spermidine extended lifespan by 10% and improved cardiovascular function in old age.
The primary mechanism behind spermidine’s longevity effects appears to be the induction of autophagy.
Spermidine inhibits acetyltransferases like EP300 that suppress autophagy.
This autophagy stimulation is required for spermidine’s lifespan extension in animal studies.
Autophagy is believed to be a key anti-aging process.
Some research also suggests spermidine’s mechanisms may be similar to caloric restriction and aspirin.
Like caloric restriction, spermidine can induce biochemical changes associated with longevity.
And like aspirin, it inhibits EP300 acetyltransferase activity.
While these animal studies show promising longevity effects, more research is still needed to determine spermidine’s effects on human lifespan and healthspan.
Related: Bryan Johnson Metformin: Science & Rationale
Bryan Johnson Spermidine Recommendation
Bryan Johnson takes 10mg of spermidine daily upon waking.
- Pure 99% formulation
- 100x greater potency vs. wheat germ extract
- Longevity potential
The equivalent dose from wheat germ would be about 6 tablespoons (90mL) based on a 10mg spermidine content per 6 tablespoons.
So when Bryan supplements spermidine and spirulina, he is likely consuming a larger dose than what could be obtained from diet alone.
Related: Bryan Johnson Caffeine: Tea, Coffee, and Recommendation
Chlorella Benefits
- Broken cell wall formula for better absorption
- Easy to blend in smoothies
- GMO Free, Vegan
Bryan Johnson also recommends chlorella supplements as a source of spermidine.
However, chlorella may have other key benefits beyond spermidine:
- It’s rich in protein
- It’s high in chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc
- It improves absorption of nutrients like calcium
- It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients found in leafy greens
- It’s associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved immune function
So, while chlorella contains some spermidine, its other nutritional benefits likely explain Bryan’s endorsement.