The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome, which play a significant role in maintaining overall health. Among these diverse microbial communities, one particular bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, has garnered attention for its beneficial contributions.
What is Akkermansia muciniphila?
Akkermansia muciniphila is an anaerobic, Gram-negative bacterium first identified in 2004 from human feces. This bacterium is a common resident of the human intestinal tract, typically making up about 1% to 4% of the total fecal microbiota in healthy individuals. It primarily resides in the inner mucus layer that lines the intestines.
Its name, “muciniphila,” translates to “mucin-loving,” reflecting its primary function. Akkermansia muciniphila uniquely uses mucin, a protein with attached carbohydrates that forms the protective intestinal mucus layer, as its sole source of carbon, nitrogen, and energy. This mucin-degrading activity is central to its role within the gut.
Why Akkermansia is Important for Health
The mucin-degrading activity of Akkermansia muciniphila is important for maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. By consuming mucin, it stimulates the host to produce more, thickening and strengthening the protective mucus layer. This continuous renewal prevents harmful substances from crossing into the bloodstream.
Akkermansia muciniphila contributes to modulating gut inflammation. Its activities lead to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate and propionate, which are beneficial and anti-inflammatory. It also influences immune responses, regulating the immune system and contributing to a balanced gut.
Akkermansia muciniphila also contributes to metabolic health. Studies suggest it can improve glucose management, reduce body fat, and enhance insulin sensitivity. These effects are partly attributed to its ability to influence the gut-brain axis and regulate signals related to hunger and satiety.
Health Conditions Associated with Low Akkermansia
Low Akkermansia muciniphila levels are observed in various health conditions, especially those with metabolic disturbances and inflammation. Lower Akkermansia abundance consistently links to metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes; individuals with obesity often show decreased levels.
Insufficient Akkermansia levels are also linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In these conditions, a compromised intestinal barrier and chronic inflammation are common. Akkermansia plays a role in maintaining gut integrity and modulating inflammation, so its deficiency may contribute to the progression of such inflammatory states.
Low Akkermansia muciniphila is also associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. While research continues, these associations highlight the bacterium’s role in these health challenges.
Strategies to Support Akkermansia Levels
Dietary interventions are a primary strategy to encourage the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila. Foods rich in polyphenols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties, can stimulate its abundance. Examples include:
- Cranberries
- Pomegranates
- Grapes
- Green tea
- Dark chocolate
- Various berries
Specific dietary fibers, known as prebiotics, also nourish beneficial gut bacteria, including Akkermansia. Incorporating foods like:
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Onions
- Oats
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Chicory root
- Apple peel
These fibers are not digested by human enzymes but are fermented by gut microbes, promoting a favorable environment for Akkermansia.
Beyond diet, Akkermansia muciniphila is emerging as a next-generation probiotic. While challenging to cultivate due to its anaerobic nature, live and pasteurized forms are becoming available in supplements. Pasteurized Akkermansia has shown beneficial effects on metabolic parameters and gut barrier function in studies.