The wellness industry has been thriving for decades now. The newfound focus on health and wellness has brought about amazing innovations that are more accessible than ever. However, with this rise in innovation, we’ve also seen a flood of new supplements entering the market—some of which have very little research to support their effectiveness.
Among these new supplements is Akkermansia: a naturally occurring bacterium in the gut, now available to the public in tiny glycerin capsules. The list of benefits linked to Akkermansia, particularly in the context of women’s health, is nothing short of extraordinary. This could easily tempt many into buying this mysterious bacterium. Nevertheless, we must make informed choices about what we put into our bodies!
In this article, we’ll demystify Akkermansia by giving you all the currently available information. We’ll cover:
- What is Akkermansia?
- How does it function in the body?
- What are the benefits for women?
- What to take into consideration
Always consult your healthcare provider before considering supplementation.
What is Akkermansia?
Akkermansia muciniphila (or A. muciniphila) is a Gram-negative, anaerobic, mucus-layer-degrading bacterium that colonizes the intestinal mucosa of humans and rodents.
In plain terms, A. muciniphila is a strain of bacteria that lives in your intestines and helps regulate the function of your mucus barrier. It helps protect the gut lining by triggering anti-inflammatory processes. As it ferments mucin (a component of mucus), Akkermansia produces short-chain fatty acids like acetate and propionate. These compounds strengthen the gut barrier and reduce endotoxemia, a harmful condition often linked to obesity, where toxins from the gut leak into the bloodstream.
A. muciniphila: The Miracles
The list of benefits associated with the presence of Akkermansia in the gut is genuinely impressive.
One of its best-known benefits is its ability to strengthen the gut barrier, reduce insulin resistance, and protect against inflammation related to metabolism. For instance, a study by Reunanen and colleagues found that Akkermansia can adhere to the intestinal lining and improve its integrity. This suggests it can increase mucus layer thickness and help repair a damaged gut barrier.
In animal studies, especially in obese mice, Akkermansia has been shown to:
- Increase the expression of tight junction proteins (which help seal gut cells together),
- Raise the number of goblet cells (which produce mucus to protect the gut lining),
- Thicken the gut’s mucus layer,
- Stimulate the production of GLP-1 and GLP-2.
Beyond gut health, Akkermansia also appears to play a role in regulating the immune system. One study in obese mice found that it could improve blood sugar control and reduce inflammation in fat tissue by activating regulatory T cells (immune cells that help keep inflammation in check).
Additionally, preliminary research suggests that Akkermansia could have a preventative effect against certain cancers. In mice with colon cancer, Akkermansia was shown to reduce gut inflammation and tumour development.
What’s even more remarkable is that pasteurized (heat-killed) Akkermansia still provides health benefits. A clinical trial found that taking pasteurized Akkermansia daily improved insulin sensitivity, lowered cholesterol and insulin levels, and slightly reduced body weight, fat mass, and hip circumference in overweight or obese individuals.
Benefits of Akkermansia for Women
The benefits for women could be life changing for many. Women are uniquely at risk for many metabolic disorders, which increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. PCOS, a common disorder among women, also increases the risk of these conditions.
Due to its impressive effects on metabolic health, Akkermansia presents a promising treatment for women struggling with such issues while still being relatively safe. However, there are still many things to consider before attempting to supplement Akkermansia.
Considerations
Though Akkermansia shows potential to be a life-changing discovery for many, it is not without drawbacks. Studies have shown that conditions like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and Salmonella typhimurium do not benefit from A. muciniphila supplementation.
In cases of IBD, the gut lining is already compromised; introducing Akkermansia could further disrupt the gut flora and worsen symptoms.
There have also been reports of Akkermansia being abundant in the gut microbiota of patients with Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. These findings may suggest a link between A. muciniphila and neurological health. However, these changes could also be related to dietary habits, as it has been shown that Akkermansia levels tend to rise during fasting.
Wrapping Up
Akkermansia is taking the wellness world by storm. This newly available bacterial strain shows great promise as a treatment for some of the most stubborn metabolic issues that many people face: especially women, who often experience higher rates of metabolic diseases and conditions like PCOS.
The benefits of A. muciniphila could be life-changing for many.
However, since research is still limited, and the potential links to neurological health are still being explored, supplementation should be approached with careful consideration and always under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Sources
Sun, Y., Gao, S., Ye, C., & Zhao, W. (2023). Gut microbiota dysbiosis in polycystic ovary syndrome: Mechanisms of progression and clinical applications. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 13, 1142041. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1142041
Cani, P.D., Depommier, C., Derrien, M. et al. Akkermansia muciniphila: paradigm for next-generation beneficial microorganisms. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 19, 625–637 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-022-00631-9
Hao-Ran Shen, Xiao Xu, Dan Ye, Xue-Lian Li; Berberine Improves the Symptoms of DHEA-Induced PCOS Rats by Regulating Gut Microbiotas and Metabolites. Gynecol Obstet Invest 20 September 2021; 86 (4): 388–397. https://doi.org/10.1159/000518040
Mayorga-Ramos A, Barba-Ostria C, Simancas-Racines D and Guamán LP (2022) Protective role of butyrate in obesity and diabetes: New insights. Front. Nutr. 9:1067647. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1067647
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