From the Guidelines
Urolithin A supplementation is recommended for its potential to improve mitochondrial function and muscle health, with a suggested dosage of 500-1000mg daily, as evidenced by a study published in 2019 1. When considering Urolithin A supplementation, it is essential to understand its mechanism of action and potential benefits. Urolithin A is a metabolite produced by gut microbiota from compounds found in many fruits and vegetables, and it has been shown to induce mitophagy in cell cultures, increase longevity in nematodes, and prevent age-related muscle impairment in mouse models 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Urolithin A may improve mitochondrial function through mitophagy, potentially enhancing muscle strength, endurance, and cellular energy production 1.
- The compound shows promise for reducing inflammation and supporting cellular health, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects in humans.
- Supplementation can bypass the limitation of individual variations in gut microbiome composition, which may affect the natural production of Urolithin A.
- A diet rich in polyphenols and regular exercise may enhance the benefits of Urolithin A supplementation.
Important Considerations
- While Urolithin A supplementation is generally considered safe, it is crucial to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed.
- Individuals with medical conditions or those taking medications should consult with healthcare providers before beginning supplementation to ensure safe and effective use.
- Further research is necessary to fully understand the effects of Urolithin A supplementation in humans, particularly in terms of its potential to improve healthspan and lifespan.
From the Research
Urolithin A Supplementation Benefits
- Urolithin A (UA) is a natural compound produced by gut bacteria from ingested ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which has been shown to enhance cellular health by increasing mitophagy and mitochondrial function and reducing detrimental inflammation 2.
- Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that UA protects against aging and age-related conditions affecting muscle, brain, joints, and other organs 2.
- In humans, benefits of UA supplementation in the muscle are supported by recent clinical trials in elderly people, which found that UA supplementation improved muscle endurance and plasma biomarkers associated with mitochondrial and cellular health 3.
Urolithin A Supplementation and Mitochondrial Health
- A randomized clinical trial found that UA supplementation was safe and well tolerated in older adults, and improved muscle endurance and plasma biomarkers, suggesting that UA may counteract age-associated muscle decline 3.
- Direct supplementation with UA overcomes limitations of dietary exposure and gut microbiome variability in healthy adults to achieve consistent levels across the population 4.
- UA has been shown to stimulate mitophagy and improve mitochondrial health in preclinical studies, and may have potential as a therapeutic agent for diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction 2, 5.
Urolithin A Supplementation and Disease Treatment
- UA has been found to have antimycobacterial effects and may be utilized as a potential candidate for host-directed therapy and as an adjunctive therapy with first-line anti-TB drugs 5.
- However, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that UA supplementation had no significant effect on echocardiographic measures or biochemical indices of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, although it did increase serum HDL-C levels 6.
- Further studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of UA supplementation for various diseases and conditions 3, 6.