Legal status · United Kingdom
Is Urolithin A legal in the United Kingdom?
Urolithin A can be sold in the United Kingdom as a supplement or cosmetic ingredient, classified as "Sold as a supplement". That is not drug approval: MHRA has not evaluated any health claim, and injectable or "research use only" versions fall outside supplement rules, so that label does not make human use lawful. Human evidence: Moderate.
Urolithin A in the United Kingdom at a glance
| Classification | Sold as a supplement |
|---|---|
| MHRA approval status | Not a MHRA drug approval; sold as a supplement or cosmetic |
| Evidence level | Moderate (research strength: Moderate) |
| Reviewed | Sep 2026 |
Classification and note come from the Urolithin A profile, checked against Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) listings at the reviewed date.
What this means
- 01
Urolithin A can be sold in the United Kingdom as a supplement, food or cosmetic ingredient under the classification above, without drug approval.
- 02
Supplement status means MHRA has not evaluated any health claim; manufacturers are responsible for safety and labeling, and quality varies by product.
- 03
Injectable or "research use only" versions are not supplements. That label does not make human use lawful, and injectables fall under medicines rules.
What Urolithin A is
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.
Urolithin A is a compound the gut microbiome makes from ellagitannins found in pomegranate and berries, though many people do not produce much of it. It triggers mitophagy, the recycling of damaged mitochondria, and human trials have shown improvements in mitochondrial function and muscle endurance and strength in older adults.
Mechanism: Induces mitophagy, clearing damaged mitochondria and improving the quality of the cellular energy supply, especially in muscle.
Regulatory history: Sold as a supplement (GRAS); not an approved drug
How MHRA treats this kind of product
Licenses medicines for the UK market. A compound without a marketing authorisation is an unlicensed medicine, which can only lawfully be supplied for human use through a prescriber under the specials scheme, not sold as a research product.
The classification above is the The Longevity Archive reading of Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency listings for Urolithin A at the reviewed date, not a legal opinion. Rules change, and importing, prescribing and possessing a compound can each be treated differently. Check the regulator directly before acting on anything here.
Urolithin A in other countries
United States
Supplement or cosmeticSold as a dietary supplement
Is Urolithin A legal in the United States?Australia
Supplement or cosmeticAvailable as a supplement / complementary medicine
Is Urolithin A legal in Australia?Canada
Supplement or cosmeticSold as a supplement
Is Urolithin A legal in Canada?Frequently asked questions
Is Urolithin A legal in the United Kingdom?
Urolithin A can be sold in the United Kingdom as a supplement or cosmetic ingredient, classified as "Sold as a supplement". That is not drug approval: MHRA has not evaluated any health claim, and injectable or "research use only" versions fall outside supplement rules, so that label does not make human use lawful. Human evidence: Moderate.
Can I buy Urolithin A in the United Kingdom?
Yes, in supplement or cosmetic form. In the United Kingdom Urolithin A is classified as "Sold as a supplement", so oral, topical or cosmetic products can be sold under supplement rules. Injectable versions and products labeled "research use only" are not supplements and are not approved for human use.
Is Urolithin A MHRA approved?
No. In the United Kingdom Urolithin A is classified as "Sold as a supplement", which is not a MHRA marketing approval. For comparison, the US FDA status is: Sold as a supplement (GRAS); not an approved drug. Evidence level: Moderate.
Related compounds in the United Kingdom
Full research profile
Mechanism, cited studies, FDA status and the full legal summary for Urolithin A live on its compound profile.
Urolithin A profileThis page is general information about the regulatory status of Urolithin A in the United Kingdom, current as of Sep 2026. It is not legal advice, and classifications change; check Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency directly or consult a lawyer for a specific situation. Educational use only. This database summarizes published research. It is not medical advice and contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use. The Longevity Archive has no vendor relationships and does not recommend where to buy anything.