Akkermansia muciniphila: Benefits for Gut Health, Weight & Metabolism

Imagine if there were a bacterium living in your gut linked with better metabolism, gut health, and weight regulation. It sounds too good to be true. However, that’s what the emerging research behind Akkermansia muciniphila may suggest.

Research into the gut microbiome is an emerging field. Every year, scientists identify new benefits behind specific organisms within your gut. Akkermansia is one of those species. In fact, between January 2004 and February 2022, the number of studies published each year on Akkermansia shot up by 33.6%.

It’s not hard to see why. These “good” bacteria may have benefits for your weight loss, gut health, and overall metabolism. But is this accurate or is it too good to be true? Can a stool microbiome test help determine your Akkermansia levels?

What is Akkermansia muciniphila?

Akkermansia muciniphila (ack-er-MAN-see-uh mew-sin-IF-ih-lah) is a beneficial bacterium living in your gut. It was first discovered in 2004 and was overlooked compared to other bacterial species.

Inside the gut, it feeds on mucin (a key component of the protective mucus lining in the gut) producing short-chain fatty acids that help strengthen the tight junctions between gut cells. The tighter these junctions are, the fewer harmful molecules can enter your bloodstream.

Akkermansia isn’t a big player in your gut microbiome. It makes up just 1% to 4% of the total microbiome. However, researchers believe it may play an important role in gut health and metabolism.

Akkermansia Benefits: Why Researchers Are Interested?

Metabolism and Weight

Most people are primarily interested in the possible metabolic and weight-related benefits of gut bacteria. Research has already noted that people with higher levels of Akkermansia muciniphila in their guts have lower body fat percentages and healthier weights. Plus, by supplementing with Akkermansia, some individuals have experienced modest weight loss and reduced waist circumferences.

Inflammation and Gut Health

Inflammation causes havoc in the body. It affects wound healing, exacerbates certain conditions, and drains the body’s reserves.

Akkermansia appears to downregulate inflammation within the body. It modulates the immune response and reduces inflammation by strengthening the gut barrier and lowering cytokine production. Some studies involving Akkermansia have reported reductions in inflammatory markers with Akkermansia supplementation.

Gut Microbiome Diversity

Gut microbiome diversity alone is beneficial. While a few species form the backbone of the microbiome, greater species diversity acts as a shield against harmful bacteria taking over. Akkermansia plays a role in that group dynamic. It’s one of several species that add to the overall diversity, protecting the gut and facilitating the right conditions for other bacteria to thrive.

Can You Increase Akkermansia Naturally?

There’s no guaranteed way to increase Akkermansia muciniphila (at least, at present). But you can take action to support your microbiome overall, thereby boosting the numbers of Akkermansia.

• Eat more fibre-rich foods like vegetables, legumes, oats, and whole grains

• Increase intake of polyphenol-rich foods such as berries, pomegranate, grapes, dark chocolate, and green tea

• Exercise regularly, as physical activity appears to support microbiome diversity

• Reduce ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, and highly refined carbohydrates

• Consider time-restricted eating or fasting cautiously, as some research suggests fasting may influence Akkermansia levels

• Focus on long-term dietary consistency rather than short-term “gut reset” trends

Remember, everyone’s microbiome is different. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. That’s where a gut microbiome test comes in handy. It provides a way to measure Akkermansia levels as you adjust your lifestyle.

What About Akkermansia Probiotic Supplements

If you’re familiar with the gut microbiome world, you might be wondering about the Akkermansia supplement. They’re relatively new. But they offer a way to introduce Akkermansia to your gut, hopefully boosting levels.

They’re made from pasteurised Akkermansia products (which appear to be as effective as the live version). Because the research is still emerging, there’s minimal long-term evidence for their effectiveness.

The other downside of Akkermansia supplements is how expensive they can be. Unlike other probiotics, it takes a lot of work to isolate and grow Akkermansia, making these supplements that bit more expensive. Plus, you’ll want an acid-resistant capsule, so the probiotic is guaranteed to make it to your gut.

Should You Test Your Gut Microbiome?

Yes. Especially if you want to determine Akkermansia levels.

Without gut microbiome testing, there isn’t an accurate and reliable way to measure your Akkermansia levels. Nor can you monitor if your lifestyle changes or supplements are having an effect.

The Functional Gut Clinic is the UK’s first fully integrated full-spectrum microbiome clinic. We offer a range of tests to measure the bacterial diversity of your gut microbiome, one of which includes identifying levels of key species. If you want to learn more, you can apply for a stool test online.

Read the following interesting article: The Gut Microbiome of Babies and Children: How Early Life Shapes Lifelong Gut Health