Abstract
The polyamines spermine, spermidine, and putrescine are involved in various biological processes, notably in cell proliferation and differentiation, and also have antioxidant properties. Dietary polyamines have important implications in human health, mainly in the intestinal maturation and in the differentiation and development of immune system. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of polyamine can also play an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. In addition to endogenous synthesis, food is an important source of polyamines. Although there are no recommendations for polyamine daily intake, it is known that in stages of rapid cell growth (i.e., in the neonatal period), polyamine requirements are high. Additionally, de novo synthesis of polyamines tends to decrease with age, which is why their dietary sources acquire a greater importance in an aging population. Polyamine daily intake differs among to the available estimations, probably due to different dietary patterns and methodologies of data collection. Polyamines can be found in all types of foods in a wide range of concentrations. Spermidine and spermine are naturally present in food whereas putrescine could also have a microbial origin. The main polyamine in plant-based products is spermidine, whereas spermine content is generally higher in animal-derived foods. This article reviews the main implications of polyamines for human health, as well as their content in food and breast milk and infant formula. In addition, the estimated levels of polyamines intake in different populations are provided.
Highlights
In 1678, Antoni van Leeuwenhoeck discovered the presence of crystals in human semen, which 200 years later (1888) were named spermine by A
The authors of this study suggest that postnatal changes in the fucosylation of intestinal glycoproteins could be related mainly to the intake of polyamines, especially spermidine and spermine
Several studies indicate the importance of dietary polyamines at different stages and situations of life, such as in the postnatal period or aging, when requirements are higher
Summary
In 1678, Antoni van Leeuwenhoeck discovered the presence of crystals in human semen, which 200 years later (1888) were named spermine by A. The main polyamine in plant-based products is spermidine, whereas spermine content is generally higher in animal-derived foods. In a study in aging mice, a diet with high levels of spermine and spermidine (374 and 1,540 nmol/g, respectively) increased the concentrations of these compounds in the blood and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory markers, age-associated DNA methylation, renal glomerular atrophy and mortality [39].
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