A new study says a novel fasting mimetic formulation containing spermidine, nicotinamide, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA) is absorbed effectively and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects.
Researchers from the University of California found dose-dependent results that mimic the beneficial effects of fasting.
“Importantly, this is the first study to show that specific metabolites that are elevated in the body during prolonged fasting can be used to mimic a portion of the beneficial effects of fasting in humans even during the postprandial state,” they wrote in Nutrition Research.
The results expand the evidence for specific compounds that may impact processes such as autophagy that maintain cellular health, protect against disease, and potentially extend lifespan.
Recreating fasting
Fasting has well-documented benefits on cardiometabolic health, aging, and longevity, but fasting regimes can be hard to follow, and some have demonstrated adverse effects.
Previous studies found that during fasting, the body produces increased amounts of metabolites that are beneficial for preventing disease and extending lifespan. The researchers used these metabolites in the current study.
Spermidine is a polyamine compound in semen and foods such as cheese and mushrooms. It has gained increasing attention for its protective effects against chronic diseases, boosting cognitive performance, and preventing aging.
Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a key player in cell energy metabolism and shows lifespan-extending properties in animals and laboratory studies.
PEA, a derivative of palmitic acid, shows anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects and has extended lifespan in animal models.
OEA, a derivative of oleic acid, is anti-inflammatory and may regulate food intake and satiety, helping prevent obesity.
As reported by Nutraingredients USA, Nutritech company Mimio Health, co-founded by lead researcher Christopher Rhodes, PhD, launched a patented product of the metabolites used in the current study after it was carried out.
“The creation and development of such fasting mimetic interventions could provide an accessible method to achieve the well-documented and wide ranging of benefits of prolonged fasting without the need to fast, particularly for populations for whom fasting may be contraindicated,” the researchers wrote.
Study details
The pilot dose-escalation study aimed to evaluate the absorption and metabolism of orally ingested spermidine, nicotinamide (a precursor of 1-MNA), PEA, and OEA at increasing doses compared to placebo.
It also wanted to determine the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol efflux functionality of the metabolites that scientists had previously observed in laboratory experiments and fasting.
Five healthy men consumed a standard breakfast followed by a low, medium, or high supplement dose two hours later. Researchers analyzed blood samples at 0, 1, 2, and 4 hours after they consumed the supplement.
The results confirmed the researchers' hypothesis that higher doses would increase the absorption of the metabolites.
“Notably, we observed sustained and significant elevations in plasma 1-MNA, OEA, and PEA at higher supplementation doses,” wrote the researchers.
They also demonstrated, reportedly for the first time, that postprandial metabolism decreases circulating spermidine concentrations, which spermidine supplementation can mitigate.
The high-dose supplement combination reduced the secretion of TNF alpha, a key inflammatory marker associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The supplement also reduced reactive oxygen species and improved cholesterol efflux capacity.
Source: Nutrition Research,
Volume 132, Pages 125-135, doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.10.006
“Absorption, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective impacts of a novel fasting mimetic containing spermidine, nicotinamide, palmitoylethanolamide, and oleoylethanolamide: A pilot dose-escalation study in healthy young adult men.”
Authors: C.H. Rhodes et al.
