AICAR vs Spermidine
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & LongevityFat Loss & Metabolic
AICARAnti-Aging & LongevityCognitive Enhancement
Spermidine- Summary
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in all living cells, with exceptionally high concentrations in wheat germ, aged cheese, and human sperm. It is the most studied autophagy-inducing dietary compound, shown to extend lifespan across multiple species and reduce cardiovascular and cognitive aging.
- Half-Life
- ~2–3 hours
- ~30–60 minutes, but gut bacteria produce it continuously; supplementation raises tissue levels over weeks
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IV
- Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 25–50 mg
- 1–5 mg
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Induces autophagy — cellular self-cleaning
- Extends lifespan in yeast, flies, worms, and mice
- Reduces cardiovascular aging and arterial stiffness
- Reduces all-cause mortality (human epidemiological data)
- Neuroprotective: reduces amyloid and tau pathology
- Promotes hair growth (anagen phase activation)
- Reduces age-related immune decline
- Improves memory in aging models
- Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Generally very well tolerated
- Rare: mild GI discomfort at high doses
- May temporarily reduce some gut bacteria species
- Rare: headache at initiation
- Stacks With
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