Intelligent Medicine®

Preserving muscle as we age: Why it matters more than ever

Mature Asian man sitting on a weight bench and doing bicep curls with a dumbbell.
Download as PDFPrint

Learn why I’m excited about the potential for Urolithin A (Mitopure®️) to enhance performance and forestall aging. The science is impressive, and I now take it every day to fuel my workouts and keep my brain and immune system functioning at peak performance.

You can save 10% on your first order when you use code HOFFMAN.

—Dr. Ronald Hoffman

This article contains content from one of our trusted sponsors.


As someone who enjoys staying active, riding my bike, and lifting weights, I understand the drive to maintain strength and fitness. But muscle health is about more than performance. It plays a central role in whole-body health and is a key indicator of how well we age. 

Our muscles play a role in regulating blood sugar, supporting metabolic function, and even influencing immune resilience. And, higher muscle mass and strength have been linked to lower mortality, better disease resistance, and overall improved quality of life. This is why I now consider muscular strength a “new vital sign” for health.

That’s also why I’m excited by emerging science around compounds like Urolithin A, found in the clinically studied supplement Mitopure®. This unique molecule works at the cellular level to support muscle function and longevity by improving the health of our mitochondria, which is critical for muscle health as we age.

Understanding Why Muscle Declines with Age

Several biological processes contribute to muscle decline. Over time, the body becomes less efficient at repairing and regenerating muscle tissue. Hormonal shifts, chronic low-grade inflammation, and reduced physical activity all play a role. But one factor that’s often overlooked is mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of our cells, and muscle cells are especially rich in them. As we age, these mitochondria become damaged and less efficient. This leads to decreased energy production, increased oxidative stress, and impaired muscle recovery, ultimately contributing to muscle fatigue and atrophy.

Urolithin A: Supporting Muscle Health from the Inside Out

A growing body of research is uncovering new ways to support muscle health at the cellular level, and one of the most promising is Urolithin A. This postbiotic compound is produced by gut bacteria when we consume polyphenol-rich foods like pomegranates, but most of us don’t naturally produce enough of it to make a difference.

Urolithin A is unique in that it activates a process called mitophagy, which is like spring cleaning for our cells. It helps remove damaged mitochondria, making way for new, healthier ones. This rejuvenation of mitochondrial function can enhance energy production and support muscle health.

Backed by Clinical Research

The breadth of well-conducted clinical trials showcasing an improvement in muscle health is what first got me interested in learning more about Urolithin A. 

In a landmark study published in JAMA Open Network, sedentary older adults who supplemented with 1000 mg of Urolithin A daily for two months experienced significant improvements in muscle endurance and mitochondrial function, even without changing their exercise routine.

second study, published in Cell Reportsdemonstrated significant improvements in muscle strength in middle-aged adults after four months of taking 500 mgs a day.

More recently, a third study of young strength-trained athletes found that supplementing with 1000 mg of Urolithin A showed improvements in muscle strength and endurance after eight weeks. 

Why Mitopure® Stands Out

Mitopure®, developed by Timeline, is the first and only clinically validated Urolithin A supplement. Backed by over a decade of research and multiple human trials, it delivers a precise dose of Urolithin A to help optimize mitochondrial and muscle health.

For Intelligent Medicine readers, Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure®. Visit Timeline.com/Hoffman and use the code HOFFMAN at checkout.

As we rethink what it means to age well, prioritizing muscle health is essential—and Urolithin A may be a key piece of the puzzle.

You may also like...

Featured Article
Latest Podcast
Featured Product

Heart disease is still one of the leading causes of illness and death in the country.

Taking care of your heart is crucial. That’s why I recommend Vitality, a premium heart health supplement from Brightcore Nutrition.

It contains a powerful blend of science-backed patented ingredients and natural extracts each chosen for their superior cardiovascular benefits: Patented MegaNatural® BP grape seed extract, Mena-Q7 Vitamin K2, and Microactive® CoQ10.

Plus, nature’s natural heart healers: olive leaf extract, hawthorn berry, bilberry, and resveratrol.

These ingredients not only help support heart health, but also increase stamina, endurance, energy, and blood flow.

Learn how you can save up to 50% off and FREE shipping at Brightcore.com/hoffman

 

Learn more…