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Is Spermidine Safe? Effects on Liver, Testosterone & Alcohol Use

Alcohol consumption, especially in excess, is known to have incredibly negative effects on the liver and brain. 

There has been recent research into alcohol and supplements interactions, which, here at Xandro, we’ve been diving into, too, with our alcohol interactions blogs.

Research is shedding light on spermidine, which may help counteract some of the damage caused by alcohol. 

Below, we break down the findings to help you understand how spermidine could be a game-changer in both liver health and alcohol addiction. Jump there now:

• The Problem: Alcohol and Liver Damage
• How Spermidine May Protect the Liver
• Spermidine and Alcohol Addiction
• Taking Vitamins After Drinking Alcohol
• Spermidine FAQs

The Problem: Alcohol and Liver Damage

Alcohol itself isn’t directly toxic to the liver, but its breakdown products can cause serious damage. Let us explain.

The liver is responsible for metabolising alcohol, but in doing so, it produces harmful byproducts that lead to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Over time, excessive drinking can lead to conditions like: 

• Fatty liver disease (steatosis) – The earliest stage, reversible with lifestyle changes.
• Hepatitis – Inflammation of the liver, leading to scarring.
• Fibrosis and cirrhosis – Irreversible damage that can result in liver failure.

Research shows that chronic alcohol use alone isn't always enough to cause severe liver disease. A secondary factor, such as gut bacteria leaks releasing harmful toxins (LPS), often triggers the worst damage.

How Spermidine May Protect the Liver

Spermidine is a naturally occurring compound, with some spermidine food including aged cheese, mushrooms, soy, legumes, corn and whole grains. Fermented foods like natto and Durian fruit also contain high amounts of spermidine.

Key Findings from Studies:

1. Liver Protection: 

• Spermidine reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, two major drivers of liver damage.

• It prevents the activation of harmful liver cells (stellate cells) that promote scarring.

• In mice with alcohol-induced liver disease, spermidine supplementation reduced liver fibrosis and prevented further progression to severe liver damage.

2. Autophagy Boost: 

• Spermidine triggers a natural cellular cleanup process called autophagy, which helps remove damaged cells and regenerate liver tissue.

3. Gut Barrier Protection: 

• Spermidine strengthens the gut lining, preventing harmful toxins (LPS) from leaking into the bloodstream and triggering liver inflammation.

These findings suggest that spermidine could be a natural way to slow or even prevent alcohol-related liver disease.

Spermidine and Alcohol Addiction

Interestingly, spermidine may also play a role in alcohol consumption behaviour and addiction.

How It Works:

• Influences Brain Chemistry: Chronic alcohol use alters polyamine metabolism in the brain, particularly in regions linked to addiction.
• Reduces Alcohol Cravings: Some studies suggest that spermidine can decrease alcohol consumption in animal models.
• Affects Memory of Alcohol Cues: 
• Addiction involves strong associations between alcohol and environmental cues (e.g., bars, parties).
• Spermidine may help ‘erase’ these learned associations, reducing relapse risk.
• Studies show it prevents the reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behaviour in mice.
• Possible Anxiety Effects: 
• While some research suggests spermidine might increase anxiety, other studies indicate it could reduce anxiety in the long term.
• More research is needed to understand its full impact on mood and addiction behaviour.

Taking Vitamins After Drinking Alcohol

If you drink alcohol regularly, some vitamins may help to counteract its negative effects, especially since alcohol misuse depletes these. Some vitamins for alcoholics include:

• B Vitamins: Alcohol depletes B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and brain function.
• Vitamin C: Helps with detoxification and reduces oxidative stress.
• Magnesium: Supports liver function and reduces hangover symptoms.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that can help protect liver cells from alcohol-induced oxidative damage.
• Vitamin K: Helps with blood clotting, which may help those with liver damage.
• Zinc: Needed for liver detoxification and tissue repair. 
• Spermidine: May help protect the liver from damage and promote cell repair.

Consider taking a multivitamin if you take alcohol regularly and speak to your doctor to get a blood test to check your vitamin and mineral levels.

Spermidine FAQs

Is Spermidine Hard on the Liver?

Chronic alcohol use can lead to liver disease, which progresses from fatty liver to inflammation, fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Rather than being hard on the liver, studies show that spermidine may actually protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage by acting as an antioxidant and reducing inflammation.

Does Spermidine Increase Testosterone?

Some evidence suggests spermidine may play a role in hormone regulation. While it hasn’t been directly linked to increasing testosterone, its impact on cell health and metabolism could contribute to overall hormonal balance.

Does Alcohol Interfere with Supplements?

Alcohol can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of various vitamins and nutrients, such as preventing the absorption of B vitamins. Some supplements may not work as effectively when consumed with alcohol, too, such as causing the body to lose more magnesium and zinc through urine. Chronic alcohol use is linked to lower levels of essential nutrients, making supplementation even more important.

End Note

While more research is needed, spermidine holds great potential as a natural compound to lessen the harmful effects of alcohol on both the liver and brain.

It could serve as a preventative supplement for people at risk of liver disease due to alcohol use. It might also be explored as a potential additional therapy in addiction treatment, helping reduce cravings and relapse rates.

If you drink alcohol, supporting your body with the right nutrients — especially liver-protecting compounds like spermidine — could be helpful. Just make sure to speak with your doctor to see if it’s right for you and make sure to maintain a balanced diet to maintain good health.

If you’re interested in experiencing these spermidine benefits, or even its other cell health benefits like cell renewal and regeneration, plus its benefits on inducing autophagy (and helping to mimic intermittent fasting!), be sure to check out Xandro’s Spermidine 10mg!