Spermidine

Spermidine is a polybasic amine present almost universally in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, one of the polyamines found in virtually all living cells. In foods it is counted among the biogenic amines, occurring naturally in items such as wheat germ, soybeans, mushrooms, and aged cheese, with levels able to rise during spoilage as microbes decarboxylate amino acids. Researchers study its roles in cell growth and longevity, while food scientists watch biogenic amines including spermidine as indicators of raw-material quality, fermentation control, and freshness, since abnormal levels can signal problems in handling or storage.