Reviewing the Development of Urolithin A as an Age-Slowing Intervention
Of the supplement compounds that have been shown to improve mitochondrial function, urolithin A is one of the least understood in terms of its mechanism of action. Despite this, various research groups are actively working on it and its derivatives. A common belief is that urolithin A, along with other interventions like MitoQ and vitamin B3 derivatives, improves mitochondria quality control processes, such as mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of aging, and interventions targeting it might indirectly enhance mitophagy, which is crucial for optimal mitochondrial function. However, it’s worth noting that while supplements show promise, exercise still remains a more effective strategy for improving mitochondrial function.
Urolithin A (UA) is a gut metabolite derived from ellagic acid. A recent systematic review explored its potential anti-aging effects in humans. The review analyzed five studies involving 250 healthy individuals who consumed UA at doses ranging from 10-1000 mg/day for periods of 28 days to 4 months. The findings suggest that UA has a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect, upregulates certain mitochondrial genes and markers of autophagy and fatty acid oxidation, and enhances muscle strength and endurance. While UA did not impact certain aspects of mitochondrial function, it showed overall positive effects on key health markers.
There is limited evidence on the aging-related benefits of UA in humans. While UA demonstrated improvements in mitochondrial function and muscle strength, it did not significantly impact other health outcomes like cardiovascular health or physical function. The current data, based on small sample sizes and short intervention periods, does not conclusively support the use of UA for preserving physical function in healthy individuals. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of UA supplementation in aging.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2024.102406
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