--- title: "Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains…" description: "Pomegranate extract significantly improved several cardiovascular risk biomarkers, but only in individuals with the UM-B urolithin metabotype." url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.html" type: "study" study_key: "d27879044" journal: "Mol Nutr Food Res" year: 2017 pmid: "27879044" doi: "10.1002/mnfr.201600830" citations: 1 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" --- # Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains variability in cardiovascular risk biomarkers in individuals consuming pomegranate: a randomized clinical trial [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains… **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/d27879044 ## Citation | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Journal | Mol Nutr Food Res | | Year | 2017 | | PMID | [27879044](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27879044/) | | DOI | [10.1002/mnfr.201600830](https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201600830) | | Study key | d27879044 | ## Takeaway Pomegranate extract significantly improved several cardiovascular risk biomarkers, but only in individuals with the UM-B urolithin metabotype. ## The question Do different urolithin metabotypes (UM-A, UM-B, UM-0) influence the effects of pomegranate extract (PE) consumption on cardiovascular risk biomarkers in healthy overweight-obese individuals? ## Hypothesis The study hypothesized that interindividual variability in ellagitannin metabolism, specifically urolithin metabotypes, might explain the controversial lipid-lowering properties of pomegranate. ## Methods A double-blind, crossover, dose-response, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (POMEcardio) was conducted with 49 healthy overweight-obese participants (BMI > 27 kg/m). Participants consumed either one (dose-1, 160 mg phenolics/day) or four (dose-2, 640 mg phenolics/day) PE capsules or placebo daily for two 3-week test phases, separated by a 3-week washout period. Eighteen cardiovascular risk biomarkers were measured. ## Results UM-B individuals had the highest baseline cardiovascular risk. After dose-2, UM-B subjects showed significant dose-dependent decreases in total cholesterol (-15.5%), LDL-cholesterol (-14.9%), small LDL-cholesterol (-47%), non-HDL-cholesterol (-11.3%), apolipoprotein-B (-12%), and oxidized LDL-cholesterol (-24%). These effects were partially correlated with urolithin production and increased Gordonibacter levels. Three (50%) UM-0 individuals became urolithin producers after PE consumption. ## Conclusion Urolithin metabotype clustering suggests a personalized effect of ellagitannin-containing foods like pomegranate extract on cardiovascular risk biomarkers, particularly in UM-B individuals. This personalized effect may explain the previously controversial benefits of pomegranate. ## Limitations The abstract does not explicitly state limitations, but it does suggest that further research is needed on the specific role of urolithins and the microbiota associated with each urolithin metabotype. ## Verbatim from the abstract > LDL-cholesterol and oxidized LDL dose-dependently decreased, correlated with urolithin production ## Percentage Decrease in Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers in UM-B Subjects After Dose-2 Pomegranate Extract | Measure | Percentage Decrease (%) | | --- | --- | | Total Cholesterol | -15.5 | | LDL-cholesterol | -14.9 | | Small LDL-cholesterol | -47 | | Non-HDL-cholesterol | -11.3 | | Apolipoprotein-B | -12 | | Oxidized LDL-cholesterol | -24 | *After consuming the higher dose (640 mg phenolics/day) of pomegranate extract, individuals with the UM-B metabotype experienced notable percentage decreases in several cardiovascular risk biomarkers.* ## Where this study is used on Magellan This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions. | Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages | | --- | --- | --- | | Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract | Moderate evidence | [Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/110.md) | ## Reference 1. **Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains variability in cardiovascular risk biomarkers in individuals consuming pomegranate: a randomized clinical trial** Mol Nutr Food Res 2017 · [PMID 27879044](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27879044/) · [DOI 10.1002/mnfr.201600830](https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201600830) > LDL-cholesterol and oxidized LDL dose-dependently decreased, correlated with urolithin production ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.html","name":"Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains variability in cardiovascular risk biomarkers in…","description":"Pomegranate extract significantly improved several cardiovascular risk biomarkers, but only in individuals with the UM-B urolithin metabotype.","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research map","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains…","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.html"}]},{"@type":"ScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27879044.html#study","name":"Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains variability in cardiovascular risk biomarkers in individuals consuming pomegranate: a randomized clinical trial","headline":"Clustering according to urolithin metabotype explains variability in cardiovascular risk biomarkers in…","datePublished":"2017","isPartOf":{"@type":"Periodical","name":"Mol Nutr Food Res"},"identifier":"PMID:27879044","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27879044/","sameAs":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201600830","abstract":"Pomegranate extract significantly improved several cardiovascular risk biomarkers, but only in individuals with the UM-B urolithin metabotype."}]} ``` ## Related on Magellan Longevity - [Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/110.md) — product graded on this and related evidence - [Evidence: precursor to urolithins, mitophagy](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s110.md) - [Gene expression changes in colon tissues following intake of an ellagitannin-containing…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28183047.md) - [Urolithin A improves muscle strength, exercise performance, and biomarkers of…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s102.md) - [Effect of Urolithin A Supplementation on Muscle Endurance and Mitochondrial Health in…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35050355.md) - [Evaluating the Impact of Urolithin A Supplementation on Running Performance, Recovery,…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d40839339.md) - [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) - [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md) ## Scope and disclosures Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).