After exploring all things gut health in previous blogs—including probiotics and prebiotics and the hidden power of postbiotics—I wanted to take a closer look at one particularly beneficial gut bacterium: Akkermansia muciniphila.

Akkermansia (for short) has proven to help maintain a healthy gut lining, support proper nutrient absorption, and contribute to a balanced metabolism. Read on to learn how this microscopic bacteria makes a lasting impact on our health!

Akkermansia and Gut Health

A healthy gut microbiota and strong gut lining are vital to overall health! Think of the gut microbiota as a diverse ecosystem of bacteria—“good” and “bad”—that float freely inside the gut and on the mucus layer of intestinal walls. The mucous layer protects the gut lining, and alongside the other trillions of “good” bacteria, it is where Akkermansia calls home. Muciniphilia, from Akkermansia’s Latin name, actually translates to “lover of mucin.”

In order to help maintain a healthy gut lining, we need to have a thick mucosal layer or lining. The mucous lining of our intestines is designed to absorb water and nutrients from the foods we consume and carry it along our bloodstream while acting as a barrier to keeping out “bad” bacteria and other harmful agents. To keep the mucosal layer strong, our bodies need the help of Akkermansia to tighten the junctions of the cells in the outer layer of our gut lining. Interestingly, Akkermansia feeds on the mucin of the gut lining in order to promote the outermost cells to create more mucin!

More Akkermansia = More Mucin = Stronger intestinal walls!

In healthy people, approximately 1-3% of the total gut microbiota is Akkermansia, while people with obesity and metabolic disorders have much less (or none at all).

If the mucosal lining is impaired or “weak,” it may lead to “leaky gut syndrome,” where toxins flood into the bloodstream. These toxins can lead to an increase in inflammation and digestive autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and asthma.

How is Akkermansia Linked with Metabolism?

A quick breakdown of metabolism: it converts nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) into energy that powers all activities of life–including cellular, movement, and respiration. In short, our metabolism helps us function and live. In this way, our metabolism connects with our digestive tract in more ways than just digestion: these systems work hand-in-hand for energy production, hormone regulation, immune function, inflammation, and more.

Because Akkermansia helps maintain a strong gut lining and, therefore, improves gut health, it can also influence metabolism. Our gut serves as a central controller of metabolism by sending signals for energy utilization.

When we consume foods high in refined carbohydrates, a cascade of events happens to our blood sugar: glucose is absorbed in the bloodstream, blood sugar begins to rise, and insulin (a hormone crucial for metabolism) sends signals to cells to either use the glucose for energy or store it away in the body. Akkermansia and other “good” bacteria help process carbohydrates, fibers, and other nutrients we receive from our food and use them for fuel. In other words, Akkermansia helps increase insulin sensitivity! Click here to read more about the importance of balanced blood sugar in a previous blog post!

When our gut is healthy, our metabolism thrives, and vice versa!

**Studies Highlighting the Benefits of Akkermansia**

A 2023 study evaluating the role of Akkermansia in human disease found that the bacteria was proven to improve metabolic pathways, influence microbial diversity, and preserve gut barrier integrity. Researchers concluded that these advantageous effects extend beyond the gut; they have a beneficial impact on diseases involving the metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, and even oncological fields.
A 2024 study similarly evaluated the role of Akkermansia and studied its broad implications across different health conditions. The researchers found that Akkermansia significantly influenced various aspects of health, including metabolic, inflammatory, and neuropsychiatric conditions. The researchers confirmed that the bacteria improved intestinal barrier integrity, broke down mucin, and produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs play key roles in gut health, metabolism, immunity, and more).
**How does *Akkermansia* support GLP-1 production?**
Akkermansia plays a fascinating role in metabolic health. It influences the production of **GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)**, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, insulin, and appetite. While *Akkermansia* doesn’t directly secrete GLP-1, it creates the ideal environment for your body to **produce more naturally**.

Ways to Increase Akkermansia

Although Akkermansia populates a small percentage in the gut, increasing and maintaining the amount will support your overall health. You can take Akkermansia in supplement form (use my Fullscript link and receive 15% off!) You can also boost levels of this bacteria by eating polyphenol-rich foods and other foods such as:

Cranberries
Fish oil
Flaxseeds
Onions
Garlic
Leeks
Artichoke
Yams
Brussel sprouts
Okra
Cauliflower
Broccoli

Akkermansia and Master Your Gut Microbiome

Are you curious about your Akkermansia levels and how it could be affecting your gut health, metabolism, and overall health? My Master Your Microbiome gut health intensive dives into the imbalances of “good” and “bad” bacteria, digestive enzyme output, yeast and parasites, inflammation, gluten sensitivity, and yes, it includes Akkermansia levels!

The program uses the GI-MAP test–an at-home stool test that gives us a comprehensive picture of what the inner workings of our digestive function look like at a given time. Working 1-on-1 with me will allow you to finally get the answers to symptoms such as:

Digestive problems: IBS/IBD, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, reflux, poor digestion, food intolerances, stomach pain, SIBO

Mood disorders: depression, anxiety, PMS
Skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne
Autoimmune conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Thyroiditis, etc
Metabolic and hormonal issues: overweight or heavy and painful periods
Fatigue, brain fog
Chronic Pain/Inflammation