---
title: "Effect of Urolithin A Supplementation on Muscle Endurance and…"
description: "Daily urolithin A supplementation improved muscle endurance and certain cellular health biomarkers in older adults, but did not significantly impact…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35050355.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35050355.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35050355.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d35050355"
journal: "JAMA Netw Open"
year: 2022
pmid: "35050355"
doi: "10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279"
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"
---

# Effect of Urolithin A Supplementation on Muscle Endurance and Mitochondrial Health in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | JAMA Netw Open |
| Year | 2022 |
| PMID | [35050355](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35050355/) |
| DOI | [10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279](https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279) |
| Study key | d35050355 |

## Takeaway

Daily urolithin A supplementation improved muscle endurance and certain cellular health biomarkers in older adults, but did not significantly impact walking distance or maximal ATP production.

## The question

Does oral urolithin A supplementation improve 6-minute walk distance, muscle endurance, and biomarkers of mitochondrial and cellular health in older adults?

## Hypothesis

Urolithin A, a natural gut microbiome-derived metabolite, will improve muscle function and mitochondrial health in older adults, based on its known effects in animals and its ability to induce mitochondrial gene expression in humans.

## Methods

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial involving 66 adults aged 65 to 90 years. Participants were randomized to receive either 1000 mg daily oral urolithin A or placebo for 4 months. Muscle fatigue tests and plasma biomarker analysis were conducted at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. Six-minute walk distance and maximal ATP production were assessed at baseline and 4 months. An intention-to-treat approach was used for analysis.

## Results

Urolithin A significantly improved muscle endurance in the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles at 2 months compared to placebo. Plasma levels of several acylcarnitines, ceramides, and C-reactive protein decreased with urolithin A at 4 months compared to placebo. There was no significant improvement in the 6-minute walk distance or maximal ATP production in the hand muscle with urolithin A supplementation compared to placebo. No statistical differences in adverse events were observed between the groups.

## Conclusion

Urolithin A supplementation was safe and well tolerated. While it did not significantly improve 6-minute walk distance or maximal ATP production, it did improve muscle endurance and plasma biomarkers, suggesting a potential to counteract age-associated muscle decline. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

## Limitations

The study did not find significant improvements in primary endpoints like 6-minute walk distance and maximal ATP production, indicating that the observed benefits might be limited or require further investigation.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> Urolithin A is a gut microbiome-derived metabolite shown to stimulate mitophagy and improve muscle function

## Muscle Endurance Improvement at 2 Months (Number of Contractions Until Fatigue)

| Measure | Number of Contractions |
| --- | --- |
| Urolithin A (FDI) | 95.3 |
| Placebo (FDI) | 11.6 |
| Urolithin A (TA) | 41.4 |
| Placebo (TA) | 5.7 |

*Urolithin A significantly increased the number of muscle contractions until fatigue in both the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles at 2 months compared to placebo.*

## 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 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Urolithin A (Mitopure) | Moderate evidence | [Urolithin A (Mitopure)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/102.md) |
| Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract | Moderate evidence | [Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/110.md) |

## Reference

1. **Effect of Urolithin A Supplementation on Muscle Endurance and Mitochondrial Health in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial**
   JAMA Netw Open 2022 · [PMID 35050355](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35050355/) · [DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279](https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279)

   > Urolithin A is a gut microbiome-derived metabolite shown to stimulate mitophagy and improve muscle function

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Urolithin A (Mitopure)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/102.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/110.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Urolithin A improves muscle strength, exercise performance, and biomarkers of…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s102.md)
- [Evaluating the Impact of Urolithin A Supplementation on Running Performance, Recovery,…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d40839339.md)
- [Evidence: precursor to urolithins, mitophagy](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s110.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).