What is urolithin A?

Urolithin A is a compound generated by the gut microbiota from ellagitannins, which are found in various fruits, nuts, and berries, particularly pomegranates. It exhibits several health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory effects and the potential to enhance mitochondrial function through a process known as mitophagy. Mitophagy is crucial for maintaining healthy mitochondria in cells by recycling damaged mitochondria, leading to improved cellular function and potentially extending lifespan 1 2.

Research on urolithin A has demonstrated its potential in improving muscle strength, preventing muscle aging, and it may also play a role in disease prevention, including neurological and metabolic diseases. It is noteworthy that not everyone's gut microbiome can produce urolithin A efficiently, which has led to the exploration of direct supplementation to achieve its health benefits 3 4.