…but have been afraid to ask! Its name will raise a few eyebrows, but this uncomplicated ingredient is turning out to have some outstanding benefits for longevity.

Living longer and as healthily as you can seems like no-brainer, and we all know we should eat improved and exercise much more to achieve it. Even so, the rise on the supplements marketplace - manufactured products intended to supplement your diet - suggests that further, complementary longevity options are out there.



Enter spermidine. Slightly suspiciously-titled for certain, the compound spermidine was initial located in semen which accounts for its rather alarming name, but what is it used for, exactly where can you get it and how useful is it? Find out in our spermidine Q&A.



What exactly is spermidine used for?

Spermidine can prevent liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma which are one from the most common causes of liver cancer. It is commonly used in supplements which, when taken, regularly, can have a significant impact on longevity.



What foods are high in spermidine?

Spermidine is found in fresh green pepper, wheat germ, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, and a variety of cheeses. Even higher amounts are found in soybean products such as natto, shitake mushrooms, amaranth grain and durian. Some of these ingredients are particularly common in a Mediterranean diet, which may explain why some believe eating like the Spanish can prolong your life.



Where is spermidine identified?

Spermidine is a polyamine which plays an important role in the metabolism of cells. It is found in all eukaryotic cells. It is also an essential growth factor in some bacteria and is discovered as a polycation at physiological pH. The best way to get it is in supplement form.



What are the effects of spermidine supplementation on cognition?

Studies suggest spermidine can improve memory and slow cognitive decline. One on the ways it does this is by triggering the process of dissolving amyloid-beta plaques by autophagy. Studies also suggest it can prevent memory loss in aging subjects.



What are some spermidine supplements?

Spermidine can be bought in powder form or in tablet form as a supplement. It is generally marketed as having anti-aging qualities and may be used in combination with other ingredients such as wheatgerm. Last year we reported on the release of a new supplement from Oxford Healthspan. This, they say, is one of the 1st spermidine supplements to hit the industry.



What are the benefits of spermidine supplements?

Spermidine is crucial in the process of cell renewal. As old cells die, other cannibalise them and put molecules to use in building new cells. As we get older our natural levels of spermidine decrease reducing the ability of our cells to renew and repair themselves.



Spermidine has also been shown to reduce the risks of some forms of cancer, preserve telomere length and, if taken regularly enough over a long period of time, can expand lifespan. It also maintains autophagy in T cells and may improve vaccine protection in older adults. Research shows that spermidine inhibits five of your nine hallmarks of aging.



Spermidine plays a key role in maintaining cells’ membrane potential and controlling intracellular pH and volume.



Studies also suggest it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve cognition. Spermidine has a neuroprotective effect against neuron damage caused by inflammation and ischemia and oxidative stress.



Spermidine is a relatively new player on the scene, but is being increasingly used in supplement products. It is not a silver bullet, and will not offer a miracle extension of your life expectancy on you own. However, it does mimic some from the other life extending interventions such as calorie restriction in keeping cells healthier, improving brain function and keeping your body ticking over for a little bit longer.