Fix Aging Cells With Urolithin A: Mitochondrial Health For Beginners with Jennifer Scheinman

If you’re like most people, the last time you thought about mitochondria was probably in high school biology class. However, these tiny cellular powerhouses might be the missing link in understanding how we age and why our energy levels change as we get older. 

In this conversation we’re diving deep into the world of mitochondrial health, exploring how these cellular powerhouses affect everything from your afternoon energy slump to your skin’s aging process. From cutting-edge compounds like Urolithin A to the fascinating connection between mitochondria and hormones, Jennifer Scheinman (not only a registered dietitian but also holds a master’s degree in integrative and functional nutrition) breaks down the complex science into practical insights that could help you reclaim your energy and support your body’s natural aging process. Whether you’re in your thirties and thinking ahead, or already navigating the changes of midlife, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on cellular health that goes way beyond basic biology class.

If you’ve been feeling like your internal battery isn’t charging quite like it used to, this discussion might just illuminate why – and reveal some surprising solutions you haven’t considered. Let’s dive into what mitochondria actually are and why they matter, especially for those of us in midlife and beyond.

What Actually IS Mitochondria? 

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. In their most basic function, they are what create the energy every cell in our body (except red blood cells) need to thrive. Think of them being little mini factories inside of our cells: they start with raw materials (the food we eat) and it combines the raw materials with the air that we breathe. What it outputs is ATP – the energy our cells use to power our bodies and is essential for everything from muscle function to brain health.

Does Mitochondria Decline As We Age? 

Yep! Our bodies are super complex and mitochondrial decline is part of the “lacking energy” equation that we experience in midlife. Just like a real life factory – through wear and tear, it becomes damaged. As we age, they become dysfunctional and do not produce energy the way they once did earlier in life when the factories were a lot newer. In addition, genetics and the environmental factors we are exposed to in life can also contribute to the faster degradation of mitochondria and their output. 

This decline affects:

• Overall energy levels
• Muscle strength and recovery
• Brain function
• Hormone production (including estrogen)
• Skin health
• General aging processes

Mitochondria and Estrogen Connection

In addition to being the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria do several other super important things in our bodies! One particularly interesting aspect is the relationship between mitochondria and hormones. Scientists have discovered that mitochondria have estrogen receptors and play a crucial role in producing steroid hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. This connection helps explain why energy levels often fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause.  

What Can We Do To Help Our Mitochondrial Health In Midlife?

If you are in need of more mitochondrial energy there are a few ways you can go about targeting it. You can build new factories (biogenesis). You can make existing factories run better as is (supplements). OR when those factories start to break down, you can remove those damaged factories from your real estate line up so you can create healthier new ones.  

While we cannot yet STOP it, we CAN slow down the mitochondria dysfunction. When our mitochondria are getting old and breaking down they send out signals to the body that allow it to do its innate recycling process called mitophagy. Unfortunately this process ALSO slows down as we age. However, there are things we can do to help encourage and trigger the recycling process. 

Several strategies can help maintain and improve mitochondrial function:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to support mitochondrial health
• Strategic fasting: Calorie restriction or intermittent fasting can trigger cellular recycling
• Quality nutrition: Providing the right “raw materials” through diet
• Proper sleep: Mitochondria play a role in circadian rhythms and can even produce melatonin
• Avoiding harmful factors: Processed foods, excess alcohol, smoking, and environmental toxins can damage mitochondria
• There are also supplements we can take to aid in the OTHER parts of the equation: 
  • NAD for example, is helpful at helping to build and protect the factories 
  • CoQ10 is also really protective of the mitochondria and helps to shuttle along the assembly line
  • Urolithin A is the only external molecule that has been proven to encourage and trigger the recycling process

What Is Urolithin A? 

One of the most exciting developments in mitochondrial health is the discovery of Urolithin A, a compound that helps clean out damaged mitochondria and promote the growth of healthy new ones. This “cellular cleanup” process becomes particularly important as we age, as it helps remove dysfunctional mitochondria that can actually damage other healthy mitochondria. Think of it like taking out the cellular trash – you need to clear out the old to make room for the new.

If you happen to be someone who HAS a healthy gut microbiome, your gut bacteria can convert polyphenols into postbiotics and metabolites like Urolithin A. So while it can be produced naturally in the body from foods like pomegranates, only about 30-40% of people have the right gut bacteria to create meaningful amounts.

In the case you are part of the OTHER side of that statistic, Urolithin A supplements like Mitopure are the best way to supplement your body with adequate amounts of the molecule. 

Clinically Validated Mitopure Urolithin A

In the clinical studies that have been done on Mitopure, after four months, a muscle biopsy revealed it takes about 4 weeks for the cell cycling to happen. Once you have the newer mitochondria, it will take a little while to translate into a “feeling” of new energy and muscle strength. People often report that with Mitopure they feel really good in the sense that you “feel like yourself again” without the afternoon crash and burn. 

Urolithin A is a generally safe supplement with no shown side effects in clinical trials and is BEST taken first thing in the morning with or without food (but really you can take it whenever you will remember to take it which I appreciate LOL – but it’s ideal to take it around the same time every day).

The Future of Mitochondrial Health for Overall Health and Longevity 

Research is increasingly showing that mitochondrial health may be connected to many aspects of aging, including:

• Neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
• Skin aging and UV damage protection
• Reproductive health
• Overall longevity and health span

For the average healthy person, in your 30s is generally a good time to start the process of aiding your mitochondria health. It’s never too late to start supporting your mitochondrial health – studies have shown benefits in people of all ages. The field of mitochondrial health is quickly becoming what gut health was a decade ago – a crucial frontier in understanding how our bodies age and function. As research continues, we’re likely to discover even more connections between mitochondrial function and various aspects of health and aging.

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