{
  "id": 19562447,
  "title": "Clinical trial explores potential brain health benefits of dietary supplement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/clinical-trial-explores-potential-brain-health-benefits-of-dietary",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-11T22:40:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-11-clinical-trial-explores-potential-brain.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oklahoma has investigated the potential cognitive benefits of a dietary supplement called urolithin A in middle-aged adults with obesity. Published in JAMA Network Open, the findings suggest that urolithin A may enhance blood flow to the brain during mental activity.\n\nThe study involved 50 participants aged 40 to 64 who were divided into two groups: one received 1,000 milligrams of urolithin A daily, while the other took a placebo for four weeks. The researchers measured the impact of the supplement on brain blood flow during a challenging memory task. The results showed that participants taking urolithin A experienced a greater increase in brain blood flow compared to those who received the placebo, with the effect being more pronounced in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region associated with working memory.\n\nHowever, the study did not reveal any significant improvements in overall cognitive function or arm blood vessel function. The lead author of the study, Ana Clara da Costa Pinaffi Langley, Ph.D., explained that the brain requires sufficient blood supply to meet the demands of mental activity. She added that the research indicates urolithin A may assist the brain in meeting its increased oxygen and nutrient requirements during mental tasks.\n\nThe study's first author emphasized that the findings are preliminary and further research is necessary to determine the long-term effects of urolithin A on brain health. Urolithin A is a byproduct of certain gut bacteria breaking down compounds found in foods like strawberries, pomegranates, and walnuts. The body's ability to produce urolithin A declines with age and increases with body mass index.\n\nWhile the supplement was well-tolerated during the study, the researchers acknowledged that the trial was relatively small and conducted at a single site. They also noted that longer studies involving a larger number of participants are needed to fully understand the effects of urolithin A on brain health.\n\nLead author Andriy Yabluchanskiy, M.D., Ph.D., emphasized that the study offers an initial insight into the potential impact of urolithin A on brain function. Although increased blood flow to the brain was observed during mental activity, there were no significant improvements in memory or attention. Future studies will be crucial in determining whether prolonged urolithin A supplementation leads to meaningful cognitive benefits.\n\nThe ultimate goal of the research, according to Langley, is to extend healthspan by mitigating cognitive decline and promoting healthier lives for longer periods. The findings from this study provide an interesting starting point for further exploration of urolithin A's potential role in brain health.",
  "summary": "A dietary supplement called urolithin A increased blood flow to the brain during mental activity in middle-aged adults with obesity, according to a University of Oklahoma study published in JAMA Network Open. The findings could help researchers better understand the relationship between the supplement, blood vessel function and brain health.",
  "key_points": [
    "Study investigates urolithin A's cognitive benefits in middle-aged adults with obesity.",
    "Participants showed greater brain blood flow increase with urolithin A vs. placebo.",
    "Findings are preliminary; further research needed on long-term effects."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}