Urolithin A

Introduction

The metabolite of mitophagy

Urolithin A is a molecule that our intestine produces from compounds present in pomegranate and walnuts, but only a share of people is able to generate sufficient amounts of it: hence the rationale for supplementing it directly.

It is one of the most promising ingredients of modern longevity, because it stimulates mitophagy, that is the natural replacement of exhausted mitochondria with more efficient ones, thus contributing to the support of cellular energy and physical strength over time.

What is Urolithin A

Urolithin A is not present as such in food: it is a metabolite produced by the intestinal microbiota from the ellagitannins contained in pomegranate and walnuts.

The conversion depends on the composition of each individual microbiota, and only a minority of the population produces it in effective amounts. This is the reason why direct supplementation of the pure form has become the preferred route.

Role in Longevity and Healthy Aging

Urolithin A activates mitophagy (via the PINK1/Parkin pathway), removing dysfunctional mitochondria and supporting cellular energy.

Mitophagy is the specific form of autophagy dedicated to mitochondria. Keeping this turnover efficient means preserving the quality – and not only the quantity – of the cellular energy machinery, a factor that becomes increasingly relevant with age.

Nutraceutical Applications

Urolithin A is formulated in capsules of the pure form, an approach that is useful precisely because only a minority of the population produces it naturally in effective amounts.

It is synergistic with creatine for muscle function and with NAD+ precursors for overall mitochondrial energy support.

Naturally Found In

Metabolite produced by the intestinal microbiota
From the ellagitannins of pomegranate
From the ellagitannins of walnuts

Synergies