Reviewed by Anneleen Segers, PhD
This breakthrough bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, is being looked at as a new option for a next-generation probiotic because of its potential for supporting gut health. Akkermansia’s benefits may extend to supporting your metabolic, immune, and overall health.
In this blog, we will examine the potential of pasteurized Akkermansia MucT™ and how effective this postbiotic is in strengthening the gut barrier, as well as supporting weight, overall health, and well-being.
Overview of Akkermansia muciniphila
Since the discovery of this amazing probiotic, Akkermansia muciniphila (A.muciniphila), about two decades ago, there has been much ongoing research that supports the potential health benefits of Akkermansia muciniphila. This next-generation probiotic has demonstrated its role in strengthening the gut barrier and supporting healthy weight. But before we delve into the Akkermansia benefits, a little background on this bacterium may prove to be quite insightful!
Did you know that there are two different forms of A.muciniphila?
Akkermansia muciniphila — Live vs. Pasteurized
Akkermansia muciniphila can be found as a live bacterium, which is often used as a probiotic (a beneficial bacterium). Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila bacterium is a postbiotic. Postbiotics are often remnants or metabolites from a probiotic or beneficial bacterium. Postbiotics are diverse and have captured the attention of the medical and scientific world due to their potential health benefits as well as their strength, stability, and safety.12
So, let’s see why and how this pasteurized postbiotic, Akkermansia, evolved.
Pasteurized Postbiotic — Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™
Interestingly enough, the scientists who discovered the live bacterium, A. muciniphila, realized that even though this was a pretty dynamic bacterium, it had some limitations. They noted that as a probiotic, Akkermansia muciniphila, may not survive gastric juices, thereby limiting its ability to make its way to the intestine. Also, the number of A. muciniphila bacteria in the gut diminishes over time, secondary to the aging process and some lifestyle factors.
Through many years of research, this led Professor De Vos and his team to pasteurize the Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™ strain, which turned the probiotic into a postbiotic called Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™, the strain’s most bio-efficacious and clinically studied form.
Akkermansia Benefits
Strengthens the Gut Barrier
The postbiotic, Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™, has a high success rate of reaching the gut because it is more stable and less sensitive, unlike probiotics. One of the main functions of Akkermansia muciniphila is that it contributes to the maintenance of a healthy gut barrier.3 It helps regulate what passes in and out of the body, keeping good bacteria in the gut and pushing toxins out — supporting a healthy gut and immune response.*
Because this bacterium is pasteurized, there is an increase in the availability of the protein Amuc-1100, which replenishes the mucus in your gut barrier and may help protect you against a leaky gut and regulate the inflammatory response.*
Pasteurized A.muciniphila MucT™ has been found to be more efficient than the live bacterium and has proven safety and efficacy in numerous studies.3,4
Supports Healthy Weight
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight involves more than just dietary intake — genetics, hormones, and several lifestyle factors also play a role. Research shows that obesity is associated with a disruption in our gut bacteria (dysbiosis), which can increase inflammation and impair the gut barrier, leading to other metabolic conditions.5,6
A healthy diet with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides dietary fiber for beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia to feed off. These bacteria may help regulate glucose metabolism and keep inflammation at bay. Increased numbers of Akkermansia have been associated with a lower risk of obesity.7
Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™ strengthens your gut barrier,* and when paired with Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) green tea and chromium, helps manage weight and support longevity.
Holistically Speaking
There is so much promise on the horizon for the use of Akkermansia and its potential health benefits. The Akkermansia Company’s Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™ is clinically proven to support gut health and longevity.4
If you're looking to support your gut microbiome, speak with your healthcare provider to discuss your lifestyle, medical history, diet, and ways to enhance your health and well-being.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Liang, Bing, and Dongming Xing. “The Current and Future Perspectives of Postbiotics.” Published 2023.
- Zhao, Xinjie, et al. “Unlocking the Power of Postbiotics.” Published 2024.
- Cani, Patrice D., et al. “Akkermansia Muciniphila: Paradigm for Next-generation Beneficial Microorganisms.” Published May 2022.
- Depommier, Clara, et al. “Supplementation With Akkermansia Muciniphila in Overweight and Obese Human Volunteers: A Proof-of-concept Study.” Published July 2019.
- Obesity Is a Chronic Disease | Rethink Obesity®. Accessed July 17, 2024.
- Johnson, Jon. “What Causes Food Cravings?”. Accessed July 17, 2024.
- Zhou, Qi, et al. “Gut Bacteria Akkermansia Is Associated With Reduced Risk of Obesity.” Published October 2020.