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Urolithin A

Urolithin A is a postbiotic - a beneficial compound produced by gut microbes following the consumption of ellagitannin-rich foods such as pomegranates, walnuts, and certain berries. Landmark research has shown that Urolithin A activates mitophagy, the cell’s built-in quality-control system that removes damaged mitochondria to maintain healthy cellular function. Because impaired mitophagy is linked to many age-related and metabolic diseases, Urolithin A has attracted significant interest for its potential therapeutic benefits.

In 2016, researchers reported that Urolithin A triggered mitophagy in the muscle tissue of rats, resulting in increased strength and endurance. This pivotal discovery opened the door to a series of studies exploring whether Urolithin A could counteract the age-related decline in mitochondrial function and muscle performance.

Building on this foundation, a 2022 randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of Urolithin A supplementation in older adults. Participants received 1,000 mg of Urolithin A daily for four months (four 250 mg softgel capsules of Mitopure). The key outcomes were:

  • Improved muscle endurance
    • Participants taking Urolithin A performed significantly more sustained muscle contractions before fatigue in both hand and leg muscle groups, demonstrating enhanced muscular endurance compared with placebo.
  • Improved biomarkers of mitochondrial health
    • Supplementation led to reductions in several circulating acylcarnitines and ceramides - lipid metabolites closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic stress. This shift indicates more efficient mitochondrial energy metabolism.
  • Reduced inflammation
    • C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, decreased more in the Urolithin A group, supporting its anti-inflammatory activity.
  • Favourable safety and tolerability
    • No significant differences in adverse events were observed between treatment and placebo groups, confirming that Urolithin A was well tolerated over the four-month period.

Together, these findings show that Urolithin A is a promising new discovery in healthy ageing. By helping our cells renew their mitochondria - the tiny power plants that keep our muscles and organs working - Urolithin A has the potential to support better strength, energy, and overall vitality as we get older.

Additional research also suggests it may play a role in protecting brain, heart, and metabolic health, with new studies already underway. While more research is needed, Urolithin A is quickly emerging as an exciting, science-backed way to support long-term cellular health and healthy ageing.

Urolithin A has been evaluated as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) by the US FDA for use in foods at 250-1000 mg per serving and has received a positive safety opinion as a Novel Food ingredient in the EU for adult food supplements.