Akkermansia muciniphila is a gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium that inhabits the mucus layer of the human intestine. Akkermansia is recognized as being protective against the development of obesity, and levels of Akkermansia in the intestinal microbiome are inversely associated with metabolic syndrome, meaning the more Akkermansia, the less metabolic syndrome, and also, autoimmune diseases. Studies have shown positive benefits of Akkermansia in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and diabetes. More research is being conducted on the beneficial roles of A. muciniphila and its action mechanisms in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.
In one study, a 10-percent increase in Akkermansia was associated with a 26-percent average reduction in obesity risk. It also improved insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and steatosis (fatty liver). Aging weakened, but did not remove, the protective effects of Akkermansia against obesity. Obesity is associated with or even caused by the dysbiosis of gut microbiota, in some people’s opinion. Beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia, may play a decisive role in reducing the burden of obesity, via modulation of glucose metabolism and low-grade inflammation.
Other studies have shown that A. muciniphila increased thermogenesis (heat production / metabolism) and GLP-1 which helps regulate blood sugar and control hunger. It also reduced the production of certain proteins that help fat cells develop, and reduced carbohydrate absorption.
Akkermansia breaks down mucin, a type of sugary protein, in the gut. It can reduce cholesterol synthesis in the gut by consuming mucins. A. muciniphila degrades intestinal mucin, regulating immune response and tissue regeneration. A. muciniphila also strengthens the intestinal barrier, protecting the host from lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia.
“3 months of treatment with 1 × 1010 CFU of pasteurized A. muciniphila showed a reduction in weight, fat mass, hip circumference, insulin resistance, plasma cholesterol levels, the markers of liver dysfunction, and systemic inflammation; these patients did not experience any side effects”.
Berries and grapes can increase the amounts of Akkermansia in the gut.
Smokers and those on vegetarian diets don’t have high levels of Akkermansia in the gut. Akkermansia levels seem to drop with age. So, this is another case where you want to be conscious about potentially eating foods that increase Akkermansia, or supplementing with Akkermansia.
As for supplementing with Akkermansia I would use a product with multiple strains of bacteria as diversity in the microbiome seems to be most beneficial. Nutridyn have Ultrabiotic Akkermansia Plus, which contains 100 Million CFU of Akkermansia muciniphila AH39, along with 10 billion CFU of both bifidobacterium animalis HN019, and B420, 2 billion CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and 30 million CFU of Clostridium butyricum 10.
As always though, Akkermansia isn’t a magic bullet. If you aren’t getting enough sunlight, not exercising, have poor nutrition, not sleeping well, aren’t hydrated, then it probably won’t do much for you. It’s a small addition to an already solid lifestyle.
References / further reading:
Comments