Spermidine could be the key to longevity – but yes, it's found in semen

How good could it be?

Some early-stage research has explored potential links between spermidine and aspects of heart, brain and skin health, though much of the current evidence remains preliminary. But could a sperm isolate really provide so many health benefits?

Just when you thought biohackers had trialled every product in their quest to improve longevity, another shocking ingredient has made its way into the wellness world’s supplement regimen. 

A key part of entrepreneur Bryan Johnson’s daily regimen geared towards anti-ageing, alongside full body scans, erection tracking, plasma exchange and 100 pills, spermidine is being praised for its reported anti-ageing properties. 

What is spermidine?

The naturally occurring compound is found in breastmilk, mushrooms, soybeans, spinach, broccoli and yes, sperm. 

Spermidine is crucial for cell growth and survival, and could activate a process that causes old cells to be cleared and recycled. 

Some online sources and emerging studies have speculated about possible benefits, from anti-aging to improved fertility. Whether this compound could ever live up to such lofty expectations remains to be seen.

Spermidine is crucial for cell growth and survival. Image: Pexels

Improved fertility

One study found that when given a large dose of the compound, middle-aged mice were more fertile. 

Their egg cells matured faster and they had larger-than-expected litters, giving some fertility experts hope that the same results could be replicated in humans. 

Found to extend the lifespan of rodents, fungi and worms, biohackers are naturally eager to see if humans can reap the same benefits.

Anti ageing

The compound’s role in cell turnover within living organisms has piqued the interest of anti-ageing enthusiasts. 

Found to extend the lifespan of rodents, fungi and worms, biohackers are naturally eager to see if humans can reap the same benefits. 

Researchers also found that they lived longer. Image: Pexels

Some people believe that by eating foods and taking supplements high in spermidine, people can reduce inflammation, improve skin health and even reduce the amount of greys throughout their hair. 

Better heart health

A study conducted in 2018 found that the compound improved mice’s overall health by boosting their heart function. Researchers also found that they lived longer.

Another looked at more than 2500 people’s diets and linked higher consumption of spermidine to a reduction in mortality from cardiovascular disease. 

Ongoing inflammation is linked to multiple health conditions and illnesses. Image: iStock

Immune support

Ongoing inflammation is linked to multiple health conditions and illnesses. This, in conjunction with the compounds’ role in clearing old cells, has led to claims that people could boost their immunity by upping their spermidine intake.

Improved brain function 

Spermidine consumption was found to protect against age-related issues, including memory problems, motor impairment, and cognitive decline in a 2020 study.

The prospect of one compound improving our health this drastically is promising, but even though Johnson’s own body could be interpreted as a human study, more research is needed to determine the effect of consuming spermidine on human bodies, and whether such a holy grail supplement could ever exist.

Originally published as Spermidine could be the key to longevity – but yes, it's found in semen