Our diet, exercise, and lifestyle regimes have changed considerably over the past decade, leading to the emergence of new diseases and the shift of science from chemical pharmaceuticals to microbiome-based science. Thanks to advancements in science and molecular biology, diet and environmental factors have been considered critical in the composition and metabolism of the human gut and have gathered significant attention. 

We need energy to survive. Our bodies' vital functions, such as eating, digesting, and even moving our muscles, require energy. However, our energy levels decline as we age, and our bodies become vulnerable to new diseases and microorganisms. All of this is related to the gut. 

Despite the vast knowledge available, there isn't much information about the impact of dietary fats and proteins on the human gut. Research has shown that short- and long-term dietary changes can influence microbial profiles. This is where Urolithin A comes in. It is produced by gut microflora from foods rich in ellagitannins and is also available in supplement form.

What Is Urolithin A?

Urolithin A (UA) is a postbiotic and is produced endogenously by human gut bacteria exposed to dietary polyphenolic compounds that include ellagic acid (EA) and ellagitannins (ET). It is a gut microbiome-derived natural compound. However, only 40% of the population can naturally convert UA from dietary precursors at useful levels.

Urolithins are not available in food, but their precursor polyphenols are present in multiple fruits and vegetables. When consumed, some polyphenols are directly absorbed by the small intestine, while the digestive system degrades others and helps improve human health. 

Several recent studies have identified the importance of direct administration of Urolithin A in health, aging, and age-related conditions. For instance, UA has previously been shown to activate mitophagy, recycle defective cellular mitochondria, and improve mitochondrial health in pre-clinical aging models and placebo-controlled trials.

Where Is Urolithin A Found?

Urolithin A is commonly found in nuts and berries, such as pomegranate, strawberries, blackberries, walnuts, brewed tea, wines, etc., and contains ellagic acid and ellagitannins. The richest source of Urolithin A is pomegranate, which has remarkable longevity benefits. 

As stated above, only 40% of the population can successfully produce Urolithin A from dietary precursors. Individuals show large differences in Urolithin production capacity due to variations in the microbiome responsible for ellagitannins metabolism. This is because our gut microbiome is as different as we are and largely depends on our genes, age, and diet.  

The several benefits of Urolithin A emphasize the need to increase its administration, but since the body is limited in its capacity, here is where probiotic dietary supplements come in. These vegetarian probiotic Urolithin A supplements are available in powder and pill form and can help decrease age-related cellular decline by improving mitochondrial health.

According to a study conducted that examined the difference between pomegranate juice compared to the supplement for Urolithin A production in the gut, it was found that: 

  • 27% of participants were poor converters of pomegranate juice to Urolithin A.
  • 33% were unable to convert pomegranate juice to Urolithin A. 
  • The study also concluded that plasma Urolithin A was six times higher in the supplement group than in the pomegranate group.

Use Of Probiotics And Prebiotics As Nutritional Strategies To Improve Health

Probiosis and prebiosis are diet-based strategies to promote the host's health by improving colonic microbiota composition. Prebiotics and probiotics have been shown to increase the numbers of selected bacteria at the species and genus level, typically Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and changes in the overall composition of the gut microbiota as long as the intervention period continues. 

Since Urolithin A can be taken as a probiotic dietary supplement known as lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics, we will focus on those. 

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are highly beneficial to the host when administered in adequate amounts. The mechanism involves immune function augmentation through: 

  • Reinforcing mucosal barrier function,
  • Reducing the mucosal transfer of luminal organisms and metabolites to the host, 
  • Increasing mucosal antibody production, 
  • Strengthening epithelial integrity, 
  • Direct antagonism of pathogenic microorganisms. 

One vegetarian probiotic includes Ultrapome, a pomegranate extract supplement focusing on cell restoration.

Benefits Of Urolithin A Supplements

Mitochondrial Health

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, but as you age, the mitochondrial function declines. It is one of the hallmarks of aging and leads to a loss of muscle strength. Evidence has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a vital role in age-related diseases. 

With age, a progressive decline in the cell's capacity to eliminate its dysfunctional mitochondria by mitophagy contributes to poor mitochondrial function. This is where Urolithin A comes in. It is a natural compound of the gut microbiome that improves muscle strength and induces mitochondrial gene expression.

Aging

As stated above, mitochondrial dysfunction leads to poor muscle strength and increased vulnerability to fall-related injuries. This is especially true for older adults. In such cases, doctors recommend a healthy diet paired with regular exercise to maintain bone and muscle strength, but not all are physically able to do so. In such cases, Urolithin A can improve mitochondrial health and muscle endurance, thus, promoting health and longevity in older people. 

Muscle Health 

Urolithin A has been shown to increase health span markers and improve skeletal muscle function in different species. For instance, in  C. elegans, UA-treated worms showed a decrease in age-related muscle decline, as indicated by improved integrity of muscle fibers, increased mobility, and higher pharyngeal pumping rates.

Aside from these, Urolithin A also has potential benefits in cardiovascular diseases, CNS disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases, spine, and joint disorders, etc.

Conclusion 

The adequate dosage of Urolithin probiotic dietary supplements varies for each individual and their specific needs. Usually, the dosage is 1 capsule per serving with propriety blend (250mg) and propriety probiotic (40mg). 

However, it is clear from recent studies that Urolithin A is beneficial for cell recovery and restoration in older adults and can be used as a nutritional intervention. Although it is not safe for daily use, lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics, like Ultrapome, can help improve mitochondrial dysfunction, prevent signs and symptoms of aging, and improve overall health. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is recommended that a physician be consulted before taking any supplements. Results are not typical and may vary.