It is that time of the year when we are all acutely aware of the importance of our immune system. But it's about more than catching a winter cold. The health of our natural defense system is crucial to long-term health.

Dr. Nicola Vannini is a researcher in the Department of Oncology at the University of Lausanne, in Switzerland. 

In this conversation we discuss new research that suggests dietary supplementation with Urolithin A could help boost the immune system. The study (in mice) suggests the compound, which targets mitochondria, is able to reverse the decline in hematopoietic stem cells, which play an essential role in blood health.

Could these findings offer hope to older adults as they experience a decline in the efficiency of their immune system?

READ THE PAPER
Induction of mitochondrial recycling reverts age-associated decline of the hematopoietic and immune systems (Nature Aging)

Watch the interview at YouTube

This interview includes: 

• Recap of urolithin A and its role in promoting metabolic fitness and reducing the accumulation of waste in the cells. 
• Discussion of hematopoietic stem cells and their decline in function with age. 
• Description of Vannini's research on urolithin A and its effects on hematopoietic stem cells in two sets of experiments: ex-vivo and in mice. 
• "Astonishing" results of the experiments, showing that urolithin A treatment improved the function of old hematopoietic stem cells to match that of young stem cells, and enhanced immune response in mice. 
• Potential applications of urolithin A in reversing immunosenescence and improving immune function in elderly individuals and cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy. 
• Broad impact of urolithin A on various organs and diseases due to its effects on the immune system. 
• Discussion on the role of exercise and nutrition in conjunction with urolithin A supplementation for overall metabolic health. 
• Positive response from the scientific community to Vannini's research and the potential of urolithin A. 

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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.