Formed by gut microbiota from dietary ellagitannins (pomegranate, walnut, raspberry) via a multi-step conversion to urolithin A. Critical caveat: only ~30–40% of adults are 'urolithin producers' depending on gut composition — explaining the pomegranate trial heterogeneity and the rationale for direct UA supplementation. Potent mitophagy inducer — selectively removes damaged mitochondria via PINK1-Parkin and BNIP3 pathways. Preclinical lifespan extension + muscle-function data.
Half-Life (t½)
PO: 20h
Dosing Guidelines
PO: Typical 500 mg (Range: 500–500 mg)
Target Organ Systems
digestive
Interactions
Ellagic Acid (synergistic): Ellagic acid is the upstream hydrolysis product of ellagitannins; UA is the gut-microbe-converted endpoint. Direct UA supplementation bypasses the ~60% of adults who are non-producers.
Pathways It Modulates
Mitophagy (activator) — direct mitophagy induction (ellagic-acid-derived gut metabolite)