Urolithin A: Mitochondrial Renewal and Healthy Ageing

This article explains what Urolithin A is, how it works, and why it is gaining attention in longevity science.

Ageing is not simply about the passage of time. At a biological level, it is closely linked to how efficiently our cells produce and manage energy. One of the most important players in this process is the mitochondrion, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell.

Urolithin A has emerged as one of the most compelling nutrients studied for its role in supporting mitochondrial health. Unlike trend-driven ingredients, its relevance is rooted in cellular biology and supported by controlled human research.

This article explains what Urolithin A is, how it works, and why it is gaining attention in longevity science.

What is Urolithin A?

Urolithin A is a natural compound known as a postbiotic. It is not directly found in large quantities in food. Instead, it is produced when certain gut bacteria convert plant compounds called ellagitannins, which are present in foods such as pomegranate, walnuts, and some berries.

However, there is an important nuance. Not everyone can efficiently produce Urolithin A. Scientific studies show significant differences between individuals depending on their gut microbiome composition. Some people produce meaningful levels after consuming ellagitannin-rich foods, while others produce very little or none at all.

For this reason, purified Urolithin A supplementation has been developed to provide the bioactive compound directly, without depending on microbial conversion.

How Does Urolithin A Work?

Mitochondria generate the energy required for muscle contraction, organ function, and cellular repair. As we age, mitochondrial efficiency declines. Damaged mitochondria accumulate, leading to reduced energy production and increased cellular stress.

This decline is strongly associated with age-related muscle weakness, reduced endurance, and overall loss of vitality.

The Role of Mitophagy

Mitophagy is the cell’s built-in quality control system. It identifies and removes damaged mitochondria, allowing healthier mitochondria to function more efficiently. Think of it as cellular housekeeping that maintains energy performance.

Urolithin A has been shown in preclinical and human research to support pathways involved in mitophagy. In controlled clinical trials, supplementation influenced gene expression and biomarkers associated with mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle.

Rather than acting as a stimulant, Urolithin A works at a cellular level to support mitochondrial renewal processes that naturally decline with age.

Ellagitannin-Derived Urolithin A: Why Gut Health Matters

Decode Age uses ellagitannin-derived Urolithin A, produced through a controlled bioconversion process that replicates the natural pathway by which gut bacteria transform dietary ellagitannins into Urolithin A.

In everyday nutrition, ellagitannins from foods such as pomegranate and walnuts must undergo multiple microbial conversion steps before becoming Urolithin A, and this process depends entirely on the presence of specific gut bacteria. Scientific research shows that individuals fall into different “metabotypes,” meaning many people produce only minimal or no Urolithin A despite consuming ellagitannin-rich foods. This variability makes it inconsistent and unpredictable to rely on diet or simple plant extracts.

By delivering the bioactive Urolithin A directly in its purified form, Decode Age ensures consistent absorption, measurable bioavailability, and alignment with the form used in clinical trials studying mitochondrial health and muscle function.

What is the difference between pomegranate extract and Decode Age Urolithin A?

Understanding the distinction is critical.

Ellagitannin-Rich Extracts

1. Provide precursor compounds, not Urolithin A itself

2. Require gut bacterial conversion

3. Effectiveness depends on individual microbiome composition

4. Commonly sourced from pomegranate extract

Decode Age Urolithin A

1. Delivers the final bioactive molecule directly

2. Does not rely on gut conversion

3. Matches the form used in human clinical trials

4. Provides consistent bioavailability

If the goal is mitochondrial support through clinically studied mechanisms, purified Urolithin A aligns more closely with published research models.

Benefits of Urolithin A Supplementation

Urolithin A has been evaluated in randomised, placebo-controlled human trials, particularly in middle-aged and older adults.

1. Mitochondrial Biomarkers

Clinical studies demonstrate that Urolithin A is bioavailable and can positively influence molecular pathways associated with mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle.

1. Muscle Endurance

In trials involving adults aged 65 to 90, supplementation was associated with improvements in measures of muscle endurance and biomarkers related to mitochondrial health.

1. Strength and Physical Performance

Research in middle-aged adults has reported improvements in muscle strength and exercise performance parameters alongside mitochondrial-related changes.

1. Safety Profile

Across clinical studies, Urolithin A has been well tolerated at doses up to 1,000 mg per day, with no serious safety concerns reported. Mild digestive discomfort may occur in some individuals.

As with any supplement, individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Why Urolithin A Matters in Longevity Science

Longevity interventions are increasingly shifting from symptom management to cellular optimisation. Rather than masking fatigue, the goal is to address upstream drivers of age-related decline.

Mitochondrial quality is one such driver. Supporting mitophagy aligns with a biology-based approach to maintaining muscle strength, endurance, and cellular resilience over time.

That is precisely where Decode Age Urolithin A fits.

Decode Age does not intend to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases.