From the Guidelines
Akkermansia muciniphila is a beneficial probiotic bacterium that plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health, reducing inflammation, and improving metabolic health, as evidenced by recent studies 1. The current evidence suggests that Akkermansia muciniphila has a positive impact on human health, particularly in reducing the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Key benefits of Akkermansia muciniphila include:
- Strengthening the gut barrier and reducing inflammation
- Improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Aiding in weight management and reducing fat mass
- Potentially improving liver health and reducing the risk of NAFLD
- The optimal dosage of Akkermansia muciniphila supplements is not yet established, but typical dosages range from 10 billion to 10^10 CFU per day, as seen in studies 1.
- It is essential to choose products from reputable manufacturers that specify the strain and CFU count, and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially for individuals with immune system disorders or other health conditions.
- Recent studies have shown that pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila may provide stronger clinical benefits than live bacteria, including reduced aspartate aminotransferase, g-glutamyltransferase, and endotoxemia, as well as improved gut barrier integrity 1.
- The relationship between Akkermansia muciniphila and human health is complex, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects on metabolic health and disease prevention, as discussed in recent reviews 1.
From the Research
Role of Akkermansia in Human Health
- Akkermansia muciniphila is a bacterium that has been shown to have a positive impact on human health, particularly in the areas of gut health and metabolic function 2, 3.
- This bacterium is found in the mucus layer of the intestinal lining, where it degrades mucin and plays a significant role in gut barrier maintenance and immune regulation 2.
- A higher abundance of A. muciniphila has been observed in the gut of healthy individuals relative to those with metabolic disorders, and multiple metabolic benefits, including improved glucose management, reduced body fat, and reduced inflammation have been linked to A. muciniphila 2, 3.
Potential Therapeutic Applications
- A. muciniphila has been suggested as a potential next-generation probiotic for the improvement of gut health and overall metabolic function 2, 3, 4.
- The use of A. muciniphila as a probiotic has been shown to have potential benefits in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis 3, 5.
- However, further clinical investigations in humans are needed to fully understand the impact of A. muciniphila on human health and to optimize techniques for its use as a therapeutic agent 2, 5.
Dietary Interventions
- Dietary interventions have been shown to be effective in enhancing the abundance of A. muciniphila in the gut, with potential benefits for obesity and diabetes prevention 6.
- Certain dietary strategies, such as the consumption of specific prebiotic fibers, have been shown to promote the growth of A. muciniphila and improve its probiotic functions 6.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which A. muciniphila exerts its probiotic functions and to develop effective dietary interventions for its promotion 6.