Urolithin A is primarily considered beneficial for improving muscle function, particularly in older adults, by stimulating a process called mitophagy which helps maintain healthy mitochondria within muscle cells, potentially leading to increased muscle strength and endurance with exercise; it is derived from food sources like pomegranates, walnuts, and berries through gut bacteria metabolism and may also have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Key points about Urolithin A:
Muscle health:
The primary benefit of Urolithin A is its ability to enhance muscle function by promoting the removal of damaged mitochondria (mitophagy), which can improve exercise performance and potentially mitigate age-related muscle decline.
Source:
Urolithin A is not directly found in food but is produced by gut bacteria when they break down ellagic acid found in certain fruits like pomegranates and berries.
Potential benefits beyond muscle health:
Research suggests Urolithin A may also have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially beneficial for conditions related to inflammation, and could potentially play a role in cognitive function due to its impact on mitochondrial health in brain cells.