Resveratrol vs Urolithin A
Two polyphenol-derived longevity supplements with opposite bioavailability stories: resveratrol is conjugated so fast that free parent compound stays below in-vitro concentrations, while urolithin A is itself a gut-microbial metabolite.
Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene)
The polyphenol behind the sirtuin era of longevity research and one of the most heavily trialled supplements in this database: over 150 completed registered studies, results that conflict by population and dose rather than pointing one way, and no trial of lifespan or any hard clinical outcome in people.
Urolithin A
A gut-derived compound that triggers mitophagy and has improved muscle function in older adults in human trials, one of the better-evidenced longevity supplements.
| Attribute | Resveratrol | Urolithin A |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Longevity | Muscle & Performance |
| FDA status | Dietary supplement; not an approved drug. Labels may carry structure/function claims with the DSHEA disclaimer, but not disease treatment or prevention claims | Sold as a supplement (GRAS); not an approved drug |
| Half-life | About 9 hours for resveratrol plus its sulfate and glucuronide conjugates after an oral dose; free parent compound is cleared far faster | Several hours |
| Molecular weight | 228.24 Da | 228.2 Da |
| Mechanism | Proposed as an allosteric activator of the NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1, with downstream AMPK and PGC-1alpha signalling that mimics parts of calorie restriction. That direct-activation claim is disputed: groups at Amgen (2009) and Pfizer (2010) showed the measured activation depends on a fluorophore-tagged assay peptide and disappears with native substrates, while Sirtris and Sinclair's group argue in Science (2013) that activation is real but requires substrates carrying specific hydrophobic motifs and a single SIRT1 residue, Glu230. Independently of sirtuins, resveratrol has documented antioxidant activity, endothelial nitric oxide and flow-mediated dilation effects, and inhibition of CYP3A4, CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 at gram doses. | Induces mitophagy, clearing damaged mitochondria and improving the quality of the cellular energy supply, especially in muscle. |
| Legal status (US) | Sold as a dietary supplement; not an approved drug | Sold as a dietary supplement |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Resveratrol and Urolithin A?
Resveratrol: The polyphenol behind the sirtuin era of longevity research and one of the most heavily trialled supplements in this database: over 150 completed registered studies, results that conflict by population and dose rather than pointing one way, and no trial of lifespan or any hard clinical outcome in people. Urolithin A: A gut-derived compound that triggers mitophagy and has improved muscle function in older adults in human trials, one of the better-evidenced longevity supplements.
Which has stronger research evidence, Resveratrol or Urolithin A?
Resveratrol is rated Moderate and Urolithin A is rated Moderate for evidence level in this database. Evidence level reflects the quality of published research, not a recommendation.
Are Resveratrol and Urolithin A FDA-approved?
Resveratrol: Dietary supplement; not an approved drug. Labels may carry structure/function claims with the DSHEA disclaimer, but not disease treatment or prevention claims. Urolithin A: Sold as a supplement (GRAS); not an approved drug.
Evidence levels reflect the quality of published research, not a recommendation. This comparison is educational and is not medical advice.