---
title: "Evaluating the Impact of Urolithin A Supplementation on Running…"
description: "Urolithin A supplementation may aid recovery and improve aerobic capacity in male endurance runners, but it did not directly enhance running performance…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d40839339.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d40839339.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d40839339.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d40839339"
journal: "Sports Med"
year: 2025
pmid: "40839339"
doi: "10.1007/s40279-025-02292-5"
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"
---

# Evaluating the Impact of Urolithin A Supplementation on Running Performance, Recovery, and Mitochondrial Biomarkers

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Sports Med |
| Year | 2025 |
| PMID | [40839339](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40839339/) |
| DOI | [10.1007/s40279-025-02292-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02292-5) |
| Study key | d40839339 |

## Takeaway

Urolithin A supplementation may aid recovery and improve aerobic capacity in male endurance runners, but it did not directly enhance running performance in this study.

## The question

Does Urolithin A (UA) supplementation improve running performance, recovery, and mitochondrial biomarkers in competitive male distance runners?

## Hypothesis

UA supplementation will improve muscle strength, endurance, and mitochondrial health biomarkers, suggesting it may be an effective ergogenic aid in competitive male distance runners.

## Methods

This was a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 42 competitive male distance runners (27.2 ± 1.0 years) were randomized to receive either 1000 mg/day UA (n = 22) or placebo (n = 20) for 4 weeks during an altitude training camp. Physiological outcomes, including body composition, hemoglobin mass, running economy, and maximal aerobic capacity, were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Weekly downhill running bouts were performed, with capillary blood samples collected to assess inflammation (CRP) and muscle damage (CK). A subset of athletes completed a 3000 m time trial (n = 11 PL, n = 11 UA) or had skeletal muscle biopsies (n = 9 PL, n = 11 UA) pre/post supplementation to assess performance and explore muscle proteome and mitochondrial function.

## Results

Running performance (3000 m time trial) was not significantly improved in either group (UA: p = 0.116, PL: p = 0.771). However, UA supplementation significantly lowered ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, p = 0.02) and reduced indirect markers of post-exercise muscle damage (CK, total area under the curve p < 0.0001) following the 3000 m time trial compared with placebo. While there was no statistically significant time × treatment interaction for aerobic capacity (p = 0.138), UA supplementation showed a large within-group increase in maximal aerobic capacity (5.4 ± 0.9%, p = 0.009), compared to a smaller increase in the PL group (3.6 ± 1.3%, p = 0.098). Proteomic screening revealed UA upregulated mitochondrial pathways and downregulated inflammatory pathways, and led to a medium effect for increased markers of mitophagy without changes in mitochondrial function.

## Conclusion

Four weeks of daily UA supplementation facilitates recovery by downregulating inflammatory pathways and indirect markers of muscle damage. Despite reductions in perceived exertion and increased aerobic capacity, UA supplementation did not further enhance performance in highly trained male endurance athletes.

## Limitations

The study did not find a statistically significant improvement in 3000m running performance or a significant time x treatment interaction for aerobic capacity, despite some positive within-group changes and effects on recovery markers.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> UA upregulated pathways associated with mitochondria, led to a medium effect for increased markers of mitophagy

## Change in Maximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2max) After 4 Weeks

| Measure | Percentage Change in VO2max (%) |
| --- | --- |
| UA Group | 5.4 |
| Placebo Group | 3.6 |

*The UA group showed a 5.4% increase in maximal aerobic capacity, while the placebo group showed a 3.6% increase.*

## 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. **Evaluating the Impact of Urolithin A Supplementation on Running Performance, Recovery, and Mitochondrial Biomarkers**
   Sports Med 2025 · [PMID 40839339](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40839339/) · [DOI 10.1007/s40279-025-02292-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02292-5)

   > UA upregulated pathways associated with mitochondria, led to a medium effect for increased markers of mitophagy

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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)
- [Effect of Urolithin A Supplementation on Muscle Endurance and Mitochondrial Health in…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35050355.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).