New Study: Mitopure Improves Muscle Health in Athletes

When it comes to scientific research, the gold standard isn’t a single groundbreaking study—it’s the ability to replicate findings across diverse populations, settings, and methodologies. Consistency builds on the initial findings, and when new evidence supports prior results, it underscores the reliability and impact of those findings.

At Timeline, we’ve long championed the power of Mitopure® (Urolithin A) to support muscle strength and endurance, backed by rigorous clinical trials involving middle-aged and older sedentary adults. These studies have shown that Mitopure helps enhance mitochondrial health, fueling muscles to perform and recover more efficiently.

Now, a new, independently conducted study takes our science a step further, highlighting Mitopure’s ability to improve muscle strength and endurance in a different population—healthy, strength-trained young adults. This research not only highlights Mitopure’s benefits across diverse groups but also reinforces the credibility of past findings by validating them in an entirely new context.

Muscle Health for Athletes

Whether you’re a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or someone just beginning your fitness journey, muscle health matters. Strong, healthy muscles are essential for performance, endurance, and recovery. It’s not just about strength—muscle is a cornerstone of metabolic health and overall vitality.

Researchers, sports dietitians, and performance coaches are continually exploring innovative strategies to support exercise and training protocols. Dietary protein has long been recognized as a key player in muscle repair and growth, providing the building blocks needed to rebuild muscle fibers after exercise. Similarly, creatine—a compound naturally found in muscle cells—is critical for short bursts of high-intensity energy. By replenishing the body’s energy stores, creatine supports explosive movements, endurance, and recovery, making it a staple in many athletes’ nutrition plans.

Now, accumulating evidence is pointing to a novel postbiotic molecule, Urolithin A, as a key player in muscle health for athletes.

What is Mitopure?

Mitopure is the first clinically validated Urolithin A supplement on the market. The 15 years of research backing Mitopure showcase its ability to target muscle health through its function on the mitochondria.

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Why Mitochondria Matter

At the heart of effectively functioning muscle cells are the mitochondria—organelles that generate the energy required for every leap, sprint, reach, and movement. Often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, mitochondria convert nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency that fuels muscle contractions. Whether you're lifting weights, running a marathon, or simply going about your day, mitochondria ensure that your muscles have the energy they need to perform.

For athletes and active individuals, prioritizing mitochondrial health is crucial. Supporting these cellular powerhouses can unlock greater athletic potential and ensure your muscles are ready to perform whenever you need them.

Newly Published Mitopure Research

To discover new approaches for supporting athletic performance, researchers at Jiangnan University and the Beijing Sport University in China conducted a trial aimed at investigating the effect of Mitopure (Urolithin A) in strength-trained young men.

The results offer exciting insights into Mitopure’s potential as a sports supplement. Here’s a deep dive into the trial.

Study Design

The study included 20 healthy males (average age 24 years) with a consistent history of resistance training. These participants were required to meet strict eligibility criteria, including the ability to lift specific weight amounts and adherence to a structured exercise program.

For eight weeks, participants consumed 1000 mg of Mitopure daily, with the dose split between 500 mgs at breakfast and again at dinner. They followed a resistance training program under the supervision of professional coaches, lifting four times per week. They maintained their usual diet throughout the study but were asked to cut out alcohol and all other supplements. A four-week washout period was implemented to eliminate the influence of other supplements before the study began.

Baseline and follow-up assessments were conducted analyzing key performance metrics, including:

• 1RM Bench Press and Squat: Maximum strength test for upper and lower body, respectively.
• Repetitions to Failure (RTF): Measuring muscle endurance.
• Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC): Measuring max force that can be generated in the quads.
• Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers: Blood levels of C-reactive protien (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
• Urinary 3-Methylhistidine (3-MH): an indicator of protein breakdown in the muscle

Results

The study's results demonstrated several notable improvements in the group of athletes taking Mitopure compared to the group who received the placebo.

• Increased Muscle Endurance: Participants showed a significant improvement in repetitions to failure (RTF), a critical measure of muscle endurance.
• Improved Quadriceps Strength: MVIC testing demonstrated a significant increase in quadriceps force. 1RM bench and squat values also increased at the 8-week mark; however, the results were not statistically significant.
• Lower Inflammation: Compared to placebo, the Mitopure group had lower levels of the inflammatory marker CRP, indicating less post-exercise-induced inflammation.
• Trends in Oxidative Stress Reduction: SOD levels in the Mitopure group were statistically lower compared to the placebo group, and a non-significant decrease in IL6 was also observed, suggesting reduced oxidative stress.
• Reduced Muscle Protein Breakdown: Levels of 3-MH decreased significantly compared to placebo, suggesting better muscle preservation.

Notably, participants tolerated the intervention well, with no reported adverse effects during or after the study.

This study bridges an important gap in Urolithin A research, which has largely focused on sedentary adults. Our previously published ENERGIZE and ATLAS trials demonstrated significant improvements in muscle strength and endurance in sedentary middle-aged and older adults.

By demonstrating improved muscle endurance, strength, and recovery in young, strength-trained individuals, Mitopure presents a promising option for athletes seeking to enhance their performance and recovery.

This newly published trial on the effects of Urolithin A in resistance-trained adults shows that the benefits of Mitopure we’ve already seen in sedentary adults are also applicable to a fit population. This is great news and further justifies the purpose of using Mitopure with athletes of any level, including elite sport.Emily N. Werner, PhD, RD, CSSD, IFNCP, Team Dietitian for the Philadelphia 76ers and Nutrition Affairs - Sport Lead at Timeline

This latest research on Mitopure® (Urolithin A) underscores its potential to enhance muscle health across various demographics. By improving muscle endurance, strength, and recovery, Mitopure offers a promising supplement for athletes aiming to optimize their performance and overall muscle health.