Anurag Singh: Pomegranates, muscle mass and healthy aging

Frailty and a decline in overall physical strength are irksome signs of aging.  Regular exercise is essential to maintain optimum muscle mass and movement, but are there other interventions that could curb age-related muscle weakening?  A Swiss biotech startupis developing a supplement that could slow down the process, by replacing damaged mitochondria, the parts of cells that generate energy. It turns out that a key component could be a chemical produced by the gut microbiome, when we eat pomegranates and strawberries.  In this LLAMA podcast with Peter Bowes, Dr. Anurag Singh, Chief Medical Officer with Amazentis, explains the background to this developing science and its potential to help older people maintain an independent lifestyle for longer.

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In this interview we cover:  

• Research at Amazentis and company mission
• Dr. Singh’s transition from medical practice to medical research
• The role of mitochondria - the cellular powerhouses - and link to muscle dysfunction or decline
• Analysing the mitochondrial health of frail vs older, active adults.
• The connection between pomegranates, strawberries and nuts - and mitochondrial health. 
• The role of urolithin A and why it could be a valuable dietary supplement.
• Why microbiome health is linked to muscle strength.
• Why optimal diet is not equal to optimal health.
• The role of mitophagy. 
• Animal studies suggesting urolithin A supplementation promotes enhanced endurance and better mitochondrial function.
• What the first clinical studies with older, minimally active human subjects show. 
• The current fascination with longevity research and desire to function better for longer. 

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The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.