Urolithin A and Mitophagy: What the Research Shows

Urolithin A is a compound that has attracted a lot of interest in ageing research. This guide explains, in plain English, what it is, what the research has looked at, and why we do not feature a product for it on this page.

It is general information only and not medical advice. For any health concern, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

1. What it is: a compound made by gut bacteria from plant polyphenols found in foods such as pomegranates, walnuts and some berries.^[1]
2. What the research shows: promising laboratory and animal findings, and early human studies that are small and mostly short.^[2]
3. UK status: it is still being assessed as a novel food, so no authorisation has been granted in Great Britain.^[5]

What Is Urolithin A?

Urolithin A is made by bacteria in the gut when they break down ellagitannins, which are plant polyphenols found in pomegranates, walnuts and some berries.^[1] It is not found in food itself. Studies suggest that people differ in how much their gut bacteria produce, so levels vary from person to person.

What Is Mitophagy?

Mitochondria are the structures inside cells that produce most of a cell’s energy. Mitophagy is the process by which cells break down and recycle damaged mitochondria. Researchers study it because it is one of the ways cells maintain themselves, and some research suggests it becomes less efficient with age.^[1]

What Has the Research Looked At?

• Laboratory and animal studies. A 2016 paper reported that urolithin A triggered mitophagy in cells and in roundworms, that treated worms lived longer, and that muscle function was better in rodents.^[1] Results in worms and rodents do not necessarily apply to people.
• Early human studies. Small trials have looked at safety and at markers of mitochondrial health in blood and muscle,^[2] and at muscle endurance and strength in older and middle-aged adults.^[3][4]
• Limits of the evidence. Several of these trials were run or funded by the company behind a branded form of urolithin A, they were small, and most were short. They do not show that urolithin A prevents or treats any condition, and no health claim for it is authorised in Great Britain.

Is Urolithin A Legal to Sell in the UK?

In Great Britain, a novel food must be authorised by the Food Standards Agency before it can be sold, including in food supplements.^[6] An application for urolithin A is on the FSA register and, at the time of writing (November 2026), it is listed as in progress at the risk assessment stage.^[5]

Supplements containing urolithin A are sold online from several countries. Availability is not a sign of approval, and the rules differ between countries. For this reason we do not feature or recommend a urolithin A product on this page.

Food Sources and Everyday Habits

Pomegranates, walnuts and berries supply the ellagitannins that gut bacteria convert. They are part of a varied and balanced diet, which is a sensible foundation whatever the research eventually shows. Whether your own gut bacteria make urolithin A depends on your individual make-up.

If You Are Considering a Supplement

1. Ask your GP or pharmacist first, particularly if you take medicines, have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are under 18.
2. Check the status of the ingredient. The FSA register shows whether a novel food application is still being assessed.^[5]
3. Be cautious of big promises. A product that claims to reverse ageing or treat a disease is a warning sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is urolithin A?

A compound made by gut bacteria from ellagitannins in foods such as pomegranates, walnuts and some berries.^[1]

Does urolithin A slow ageing?

No such claim is authorised, and the evidence in people is at an early stage. Studies so far have looked at markers of mitochondrial health and muscle performance in small groups.^[2]

Is urolithin A approved in the UK?

Not at the time of writing. The application is listed on the FSA register as in progress at the risk assessment stage.^[5]

Can I get urolithin A from food?

Not directly. Gut bacteria make it from ellagitannins in foods such as pomegranates, walnuts and berries, and people differ in how much they make.^[1]

Should I tell my GP about supplements?

Yes. Always mention any supplement to your GP or pharmacist, particularly if you take prescribed medicines.

References

• [1] Ryu D, Mouchiroud L, Andreux PA, et al. Urolithin A induces mitophagy and prolongs lifespan in C. elegans and increases muscle function in rodents. Nature Medicine. 2016;22(8):879-888. doi:10.1038/nm.4132
• [2] Andreux PA, Blanco-Bose W, Ryu D, et al. The mitophagy activator urolithin A is safe and induces a molecular signature of improved mitochondrial and cellular health in humans. Nature Metabolism. 2019;1:595-603. doi:10.1038/s42255-019-0073-4
• [3] Liu S, D’Amico D, Shankland E, et al. Effect of urolithin A supplementation on muscle endurance and mitochondrial health in older adults: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(1):e2144279. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279
• [4] Singh A, D’Amico D, Andreux PA, et al. Urolithin A improves muscle strength, exercise performance, and biomarkers of mitochondrial health in a randomized trial in middle-aged adults. Cell Reports Medicine. 2022;3(5):100633. doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100633
• [5] Food Standards Agency. Regulated product applications: Urolithin A (RP-1777). data.food.gov.uk
• [6] Food Standards Agency. Novel foods: business guidance. food.gov.uk