What it is:
Akkermansia muciniphila is a common gut bacteria, constituting approximately 1%–3% of the total gut microbiome. It is found primarily in the mucus layer of the large intestine, hence ‘muciniphilia’ (mucus-loving), and it plays a crucial role in regulating the gut lining.
Purported claims:
Higher Levels of Akkermansia are associated with:
Improved Metabolic Health, such as better glucose metabolism, reduced insulin resistance, and lower levels of inflammation.
Weight Management: Body composition balance
Lower Gut Permeability
What the science says:
Research shows that you want high levels of Akkermansia in your gut as it builds up your protective barrier. As the first line of defense in your body, you want to keep these fortifications as astute and robust as possible. A significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut because it is the first entryway from the outside world to the inside of your body. The gastrointestinal tract is technically outside of you. Absorption through the gut wall must be carefully monitored to prevent invaders from getting through.
Akkermansia plays a crucial role in this defense system. It helps regulate the thickness and turnover of the mucus layer and produces metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties.
However, if you don’t consistently feed your gut bacteria, they can begin to over-feed on your protective mucosal layer and degrade the barrier. Therefore, it is vital to ensure you consistently have their favorite foods on hand. Akkermansia loves polyphenol-rich foods like pomegranates, cranberries, green tea, and berries. Research also shows they flourish with omega-3-rich items, such as fatty fish, avocados, and nuts.
Akkermansia has also been found to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate and propionate.
Some people don’t have Akkermansia, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are lacking in beneficial gut bacteria or need to supplement them. There is a wide variety of healthy microbiomes, with Akkermansia being just one species. But it is a keystone species and, therefore vital to cultivate where possible.
However, although it can be sourced as a supplemental probiotic for those who don’t have Akkermansia or are looking to increase their count, supplements cannot recolonize the gut. The evidence is not strong that once the supplement is stopped, the bacteria stay. Therefore, focus on building up the species naturally with whole food items to give them the best fighting chance. Speak with your Client Advocate to learn more about which prebiotics, prebiotic supplements, and nourishing foods work together to build up the population.
Our take:
Akkermansia requires an oxygen-free environment, so although there are many papers on the benefits of this bacteria, many false supplements do not provide the health changes claimed. You can optimize your digestive health by understanding the complexity of this bacteria and working alongside a health professional such as a dietitian specializing in the field. To delve deeper into your gut health, contact your Client Advocate and learn more about joining The New Apeiron Life Microbiome Analysis Program.
Will this benefit you?
For most people, increasing their Akkermansia muciniphila levels through dietary and lifestyle interventions may offer potential benefits for gut health and overall well-being.
Still curious to try it? If you do, here’s what to keep an eye on:
When introducing new high-fiber foods, slowly increase your intake to avoid any adverse symptoms, such as gas and bloating, while you grow your bacterial species.
Be wary of excess supplementation as it may have adverse effects on your mucous layer (Ku, 2023)
References and additional reading:
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