Study shows postbiotic Urolithin A improves muscle strength and exercise performance in middle aged adults

Age-associated muscle decline can begin as early as age 40, and there are currently no effective interventions to counteract it other than exercise. A landmark new study published today in Cell Reports Medicine showed that daily intake of Amazentis’ proprietary urolithin A, Mitopure, significantly improved muscle strength by 12% after four months. These findings further validate the benefits of Mitopure for muscle and mitochondrial health and demonstrate that it is safe and well tolerated. Mitopure works by supporting the cells’ ability to renew their powerhouses, the mitochondria, during the aging process. Muscles have a high energy demand and there are a large number of mitochondria in muscle cells.

Previous research showed that Mitopure improved muscle endurancereduced inflammation and resulted in healthier mitochondrial function in older adults 65 to 90 years. This new double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in middle-aged adults aged 40 to 64 years (n=88) was conducted in London, Ontario, Canada, following approvals from Health Canada and an independent IRB. Participants were randomized to receive daily supplementation with 500 mg, 1000 mg of Mitopure, or placebo for 4 months. Muscular strength, exercise performance tests, and biomarkers of healthy mitochondrial function and inflammation in skeletal muscle biopsies and blood plasma they were evaluated at the beginning of the study, at 2 months and at 4 months.

• Two skeleton sizes muscular strength were improved in the supplemented groups compared to the placebo group. Muscle strength in hamstring skeletal muscle was significantly increased in the 500 mg (+12%) and 1000 mg (+9.8%) groups. Muscle strength during knee flexion was also significantly improved at the 500 mg (+10.6%) and 1000 mg (+10.5%) doses.
• Clinically significant improvements in aerobic endurance (+10% in maximal oxygen uptake) [VO2]), physical performance (+33 meters in the 6-minute walk test) and power output (+5%) were observed in the 1000 mg group, although not statistically significant
• Blood tests and biopsies showed significant improvement in biomarkers of healthy mitochondrial function and reduced inflammation

“These results are exciting because this is the first human demonstration that urolithin A repairs mitochondria through mitophagy and can translate into significant physiological benefits. In addition, the improvement in strength and exercise performance occurred in no change in participants’ exercise routine,” explained EPFL professor Johan Auwerx, MD, Ph.D., co-author.

This is an important discovery in research on longevity and muscle health. Aging is associated with a decline in mitochondrial function that can lead to reduced exercise capacity, muscular endurance, and strength. Urolithin A is the first and only compound clinically shown to improve muscle function by renewing mitochondria through a powerful biological quality control mechanism called mitophagy. By activating this important biological pathway, Mitopure promotes healthy aging and improves muscle health and performance.

“This study further validates the role of mitochondrial health as an important pillar of vitality and shows that Mitopure is a world-class nutrient that has a significant impact on muscle health. We are proud to offer this patented form of Urolithin A in our Timeline brand and within Nestlé Health Scientific Products,” said Chris Rinsch, CEO and co-founder of Amazentis. “We remain committed to pioneering clinically validated products that optimize cellular health with a mission to keep millions of people healthy longer.”

“Mitochondrial decline is a key hallmark of aging and poor metabolic health. This study is an important milestone and shows that urolithin A could be a game changer in our field,” he said. Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, who just joined the Amazentis Scientific Advisory Board.