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:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9300896/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7583218/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/akkermansia-muciniphila
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