What Is Urolithin A? Uses, Intake And Safety

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Published: 
Jan 19, 2026
 

Written by Jordan Caulfield & reviewed by Paul Holmes.

As the body ages, subtle changes often begin to occur both physically and mentally. Energy levels may begin to dip, muscles can feel like they take longer to recover, and maintaining everyday vitality can require more conscious effort.

This is what has led to growing interest in natural supplements that are being studied for their impact at cellular level, rather than simply masking symptoms. One compound that has attracted significant attention in recent years is Urolithin A.

Often associated with longevity, mitochondrial health, and muscle function, Urolithin A is now widely popular in wellness and scientific circles. But what exactly is it, and why is it considered important? This comprehensive guide explains what Urolithin A is, what it is good for, its potential benefits and side effects, and how it is best taken.

It also explores what current science says, using evidence from credible medical sources, while highlighting how trusted brands such as Naturecan approach supplementation responsibly.

    Executive Summary

    • Urolithin A is a postbiotic compound produced from ellagitannins found in foods like pomegranates, though many people cannot produce it naturally.
    • Supplementation provides a reliable source of Urolithin A, independent of individual gut microbiome differences.
    • Urolithin A supports mitochondrial health by activating mitophagy, helping remove and recycle damaged mitochondria.
    • Improved mitochondrial function supports cellular energy, endurance, and muscle performance, particularly with ageing.
    • Studies suggest Urolithin A may help maintain muscle strength, vitality, and physical performance in adults.
    • Urolithin A supports healthy ageing and longevity by promoting cellular repair and reducing oxidative stress.

    What Is Urolithin A?

    Urolithin A is a natural compound produced in the body, but only under specific conditions. It is created when certain gut bacteria break down compounds called ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which are found in foods such as pomegranates, berries, and walnuts.

    Importantly, Urolithin A is not found directly in food. Its production depends entirely on the presence of the right gut bacteria. Research suggests that only around 30–40% of people have a microbiome capable of producing adequate levels of Urolithin A.

    Even in those individuals, production can decline with age or poor gut health.

    This variability explains why dietary sources alone are often unreliable as a consistent source of Urolithin A. As a result, interest in supplementation has grown, offering a consistent intake regardless of gut microbiome availability.

    Urolithin A What is Urolithin A infographic

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    What Are The Potential Benefits Of Urolithin A?

    The interest in Urolithin A comes from how it may support the body at a foundational level. Rather than targeting one specific symptom, Urolithin A potentially works by helping cells function more efficiently overall.

    Below are some of the key ways Urolithin A could potentially support overall health and wellbeing.

    elderly man and woman hugging laughing on sofa

    Cellular Energy and Daily Vitality

    One of the most researched uses of Urolithin A is its possible role in supporting cellular energy.

    Healthy cells rely on well-functioning mitochondria to produce the energy needed for everyday activities, from walking and exercising to thinking clearly and staying focused.

    By potentially helping the body maintain healthier mitochondria, Urolithin A may support more consistent energy levels throughout the day.

    Which can be particularly helpful for those who feel easily fatigued or notice a gradual drop in stamina over time.

    Healthy Ageing at a Cellular Level

    Healthy ageing is not just about how the body looks or feels on the surface. It’s also about what is happening inside cells.

    Over time, damaged cellular components can build up, making tissues less efficient.

    Urolithin A may support the body’s natural renewal processes, helping cells stay cleaner and more efficient.

    This cellular support is one reason Urolithin A is often associated with more graceful ageing and longevity, rather than quick or superficial results.

    Long-Term Metabolic Health

    Healthy cellular function plays an important role in metabolism. By supporting mitochondrial efficiency and cellular clean-up processes, Urolithin A may potentially help the body manage energy use more effectively.

    Although it is not a treatment for metabolic conditions, this supportive role may be beneficial for those focused on maintaining metabolic balance as part of a healthy lifestyle, especially when combined with regular movement and a balanced diet.

    Why Do These Benefits Matter?

    What makes Urolithin A unique is that its benefits are subtle but foundational.

    Rather than offering a quick boost, it could support cellular functions that help the body over time. This makes it particularly appealing to those interested in prevention, resilience, and healthy ageing.

    For this reason, Urolithin A is often included in longevity-focused supplement routines, alongside lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, good sleep, and balanced nutrition.

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    The Longevity Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Longevity

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    This is our complete beginner's guide to Longevity. We explain what it is, what studies are available, where it comes from, what it is used for, and a few other facts you may not know.

    What the Science Says

    Alongside its emerging potential benefits, scientific interest in Urolithin A has also increased steadily, with multiple peer-reviewed studies exploring its effects.

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    1. Urolithin A and Mitophagy

    A landmark study published in 2019 demonstrated that Urolithin A activates mitophagy, the process by which cells remove damaged mitochondria and recycle their components. [1] Though this study was carried out on male mice, this process is essential for maintaining cellular efficiency and resilience and highlights the true potential of Urolithin A, though further research is needed as findings based on animal models can not always be directly applied to humans.

    Read Study
    2. Muscle Function in Older Adults

    A randomised controlled trial from 2022 found that Urolithin A supplementation could improved muscle endurance in middle-aged and older adults, with no serious adverse effects reported. [2] This supports the theory that as we age our body struggles more with muscle recovery, and therefore, Urolithin A could possibly help aid shorter recovery periods. However, further research is needed again to fully understand this.

    Read Study
    3. Anti-inflammatory Effects

    Preclinical research indicates that Urolithin A may potentially help reduce inflammatory markers. This could be relevant for conditions linked to chronic inflammation, such as oxidative stress, although further human studies are ongoing and research is still in its infancy.[3]

    Read Study

    What Are The Potential Side Effects?

    Urolithin A is generally well tolerated among most. Most people experience little to no side effects, particularly when taken at recommended doses.

    Some mild effects have been reported, usually when first starting supplementation:

    • Digestive discomfort or bloating
    • Headaches
    • Mild muscle aches

    Medication Interactions

    Individuals taking prescription medication, particularly for conditions such as diabetes are always advised to consult a healthcare professional before starting Urolithin A or any new supplement.

    Woman with head in hands with headache

    Urolithin A and Mitophagy

    Mitophagy plays a vital role in cellular health. Without it, damaged mitochondria can accumulate, leading to reduced energy production and increased oxidative stress.

    Urolithin A is one of the few compounds showing potential with markers related to mitophagy. By potentially being able to support this process, it may help towards the maintenance of healthier mitochondria, which may potentially contribute to enhanced energy levels, muscle performance, and cellular resilience over time and through ageing.

    Supplements to Take Alongside Urolithin A

    Urolithin A is most effective when used as part of a supplement stack, working alongside other supplements to support each other and a broader wellness routine.

    Common complementary options include:

    Naturecan focuses on evidence-led formulations designed to work together without unnecessary additives.

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    Urolithin A Supplement Daily Serving Recommendations

    Most clinical studies use doses between 250 mg and 1,000 mg per day. Naturecan recommends one capsule daily (500mg), taken with water and ideally alongside food.

    Urolithin A can be taken at any time of day. Consistency is considered more important than timing.

    Conclusion

    Urolithin A is a well-researched compound with growing scientific support.

    By possibly helping to maintain mitochondrial health, supporting muscle function, and potentially contributing to gut health, it could maybe play a valuable role in healthy ageing.

    While it is not a ‘treatment’ or replacement for a balanced diet or lifestyle, Urolithin A could be a meaningful addition to an effective supplement routine. Choosing trusted brands such as Naturecan helps ensure quality, consistency, and peace of mind, with the guarantee of always knowing what you put in your body.

    Supporting long-term health does not require drastic changes, small, consistent habits can make a significant difference over time.

    FAQs

    How long do Urolithin A supplements take to work?
    Most studies assess benefits after several weeks or months of consistent use.

    How much Urolithin A is in a pomegranate?
    Pomegranates contain ellagitannins, not Urolithin A itself. Conversion depends on gut bacteria.

    What foods have Urolithin A?
    No foods contain Urolithin A directly, only its precursors.

    What is the best source of Urolithin A?
    Supplementation provides the most consistent and reliable intake. How much Urolithin A is in walnuts? Walnuts contain ellagic acid, but conversion varies significantly between individuals.

    Paul Holmes  (4).webp__PID:545df50e-557b-4e0c-8051-2c4162aded0d

    Reviewed by Paul Holmes

    Director of Science and Innovation at Naturecan

    Testing for large pharmaceutical & tobacco companies, Paul has built a wealth of scientific and regulatory knowledge, working on regulatory submissions to bodies such as the FDA and the MHRA.

    He holds a BSc in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and sits on the UKAS CBD Food Product Approval Expert Group.

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    References

    1. Ryu, D. et al. (2016) Urolithin A induces mitophagy and prolongs lifespan. Nature Medicine. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30768775/

    2. Andreux, P.A. et al. (2019) The mitophagy activator urolithin A is safe and induces a molecular signature of improved mitochondrial and cellular health in humans. Nature Metabolism. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34117375/

    3. Singh, R. et al. (2019) Anti-inflammatory effects of urolithin A. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35050355/