Grant: Project Grant

As we age, our muscle mass, strength, physical fitness, and ability to control blood sugar steadily decline, often leading to mobility problems, a higher risk of falls, and overall frailty. These changes can greatly reduce the quality of life in older adults. Hospitalization due to illness, injury or surgery often requires bed rest, which can worsen these issues by accelerating muscle loss and reducing fitness and metabolic health. Unfortunately, effective strategies to counteract the negative health effects of bed rest are currently limited. A key cause of muscle and metabolic impairments linked to aging and inactivity is the buildup of problems in mitochondria, the tiny "powerhouses" inside our cells that produce energy. Urolithin A, a natural compound made by gut bacteria from certain foods, has shown promise in supporting muscle and mitochondrial health. This study will test whether Urolithin A can reduce the harmful effects of bed rest on muscle strength, muscle mass, fitness, blood sugar control, and mitochondrial health in older adults. The results could support Urolithin A as a useful way to protect against the negative health impacts of physical inactivity in older adults.