As people age, their immune systems often respond less effectively to vaccines.
As a result, some older adults do not receive the same level of protection against diseases as younger people.
This is the case for illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza, according to a new study published in the journal Aging Cell and cited by ScienceDaily.
The researchers emphasize that many older adults still benefit significantly from vaccines. The main challenge concerns the smaller group of individuals who produce only low levels of antibodies.
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Trial involving 40 participants
Researchers from the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and the University of Oxford studied 40 healthy participants over the age of 65.
Following their third COVID-19 vaccination, the participants received either a daily spermidine supplement or a placebo for 13 weeks.
The trial reported no known side effects. At the same time, the researchers stressed that the study was small. Larger studies are therefore needed before the findings can be confirmed.
The same applies if the compound is to be investigated in connection with other vaccines.
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A compound found in everyday foods
Spermidine occurs naturally in the human body, but it is also found in foods such as wheat germ, mushrooms, Parmesan, and Cheddar cheese.
Previous research has shown that the compound may help cells maintain and repair themselves.
The greatest effect was observed among the participants who initially had the weakest response to the vaccine.
They developed higher levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and their immune systems showed fewer signs of ageing.
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The researchers therefore believe that spermidine may improve vaccine effectiveness in some older adults.
However, the findings are preliminary and must be be confirmed in larger studies before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
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