Brenda Khan
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium commonly found in the human gut, constituting up to 5% of the total bacteria in the gut in healthy adults. It has been associated with a multitude of health benefits, including improved gut health, lower inflammation, and reduced risk of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Due to its highly promising probiotic activities, there is a growing interest in strategies to increase Akkermansia muciniphila abundance in the gut through dietary interventions. This paragraph will explore the topic of how individuals can incorporate specific dietary practices to promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila in their gut microbiome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Akkermansia muciniphila |
| Type of Bacteria | Gram-negative, anaerobic |
| Found in Gut of | Humans, rodents, DIO mice |
| Core Functions | Support gut lining, contribute to digestive health, assist in maintaining a healthy weight |
| Associated Health Benefits | Lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic low-grade inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, cancer |
| Dietary Interventions to Increase Akkermansia | Polyphenols, alkaloids, capsaicin, plant-derived carbohydrates, fish oil, flax seed, olives, healthy fats, prebiotic fibers, FOS, metformin, vancomycin |
| Dietary Interventions to Decrease Akkermansia | High-fat diets, Western diets low in fiber and polyphenols |
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What You'll Learn
Polyphenols and dietary fats
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium commonly found in the human gut. It has been associated with several health benefits, including supporting the gut lining, contributing to digestive health, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Unfortunately, Akkermansia levels tend to decrease with age and with the consumption of a Western diet that is low in fiber and polyphenols. To increase Akkermansia levels, one may consider dietary interventions, such as supplementing with polyphenols and dietary fats.
Polyphenols are plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties that can modulate the gut microbiota and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia muciniphila. Studies have shown that a grape polyphenol-based diet led to a significant increase in the relative abundance of Akkermansia in the gut. Other sources of polyphenols include black tea, red wine, grape juice, and cranberries.
In addition to polyphenols, certain dietary fats can also impact Akkermansia levels. High-fat diets, particularly those high in sugar, have been shown to decrease Akkermansia abundance and contribute to metabolic disorders. However, supplementing with Akkermansia itself can restore its abundance in individuals on high-fat diets.
Overall, a diet rich in polyphenols and moderate in dietary fats may help promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila and offer potential health benefits. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or starting new supplements.
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Probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are types of fiber that act as food for the probiotics in your gut.
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium commonly found in the human gut. It is one of the most abundant bacteria in the gut microbiome, constituting up to 5% of the total bacteria in the gut in healthy adults. Akkermansia has been associated with a wide range of health benefits, including improved gut health, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.
To add more Akkermansia muciniphila to your diet, you can focus on consuming prebiotics and dietary fibers that promote the growth of this bacterium. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have been shown to significantly promote Akkermansia muciniphila growth. FOS are a type of prebiotic fiber that can be found in foods such as asparagus, garlic, onions, leeks, and bananas.
In addition to prebiotic fibers, polyphenols have also been found to support the growth of Akkermansia. Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that can be found in berries, fresh herbs, cranberry juice, cocoa, fish oil, flax seeds, and olives. These compounds have antimicrobial properties and can help protect against infection and disease while also supporting immunity.
While there are no direct dietary sources of Akkermansia muciniphila, incorporating foods that contain beneficial probiotic strains can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. Yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables are examples of probiotic-rich foods that can be added to your diet.
It is important to note that while supplementing with Akkermansia probiotics is an option, it is always recommended to gradually introduce any new dietary changes and monitor how your body responds.
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Oral supplements
One study found that oral treatment with Akkermansia muciniphila (2 x 10^8 cfu for 4 weeks) increased Akkermansia muciniphila abundance in the faecal content of high-fat-fed DIO mice. Another study found that oral supplementation of Akkermansia muciniphila (4.0 x 10^8 cfu/d for 6 weeks) was able to restore its abundance in high-fat diet-fed DIO mice. These studies suggest that oral supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila can effectively increase its abundance in the gut, even in the context of a high-fat diet.
In addition to direct supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila, there are other oral supplements that have been shown to promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila. For example, one study found that supplementation with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) significantly promoted Akkermansia muciniphila growth. FOS is a type of prebiotic fibre that is found in foods such as wheat, onions, garlic, and bananas. Another study found that supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis, a type of probiotic, for 14 weeks resulted in a dramatic increase in the faecal content of Akkermansia muciniphila in DIO rodents. The mechanism behind this effect is not yet fully understood, but researchers believe it may be due to enhanced butyrate production, which stimulates mucus production in the gut.
Other oral supplements that have been shown to promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila include metformin and vancomycin. Additionally, dietary fats and polyphenols have been found to support the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila. Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that are often found in berries, fresh herbs, real cranberry juice, and cocoa. A diet rich in fish oil, flax seed, and olives may also help promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila.
It is important to note that while oral supplementation can be an effective way to increase Akkermansia muciniphila abundance in the gut, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
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Plant extracts
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium that exists naturally in the human intestine as part of the gut microbiome. It is considered an important and health-promoting microbe, with studies showing that it may have beneficial effects on the host metabolic profile. It has been referred to as a promising therapeutic agent with a probiotic role and several metabolic applications.
However, it is important to note that excessive enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila in specific intestinal microenvironments may have negative effects. For instance, in cases of Salmonella typhimurium infection or intestinal bowel diseases, an increase in Akkermansia may not yield beneficial results.
Some plant extracts can significantly increase the abundance of intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila. These include polyphenols, alkaloids, capsaicin, plant-derived carbohydrates, and some Chinese medicines.
Polyphenols are natural antioxidants that possess strong antimicrobial activity. They can help protect obligate anaerobes like Akkermansia muciniphila by scavenging oxygen radicals. A study showed that a black tea or red wine grape extract, both containing complex dietary polyphenol mixtures, significantly promoted the growth of Akkermansia.
In addition, dietary supplementation of cranberry extract and Concord grape polyphenols increased Akkermansia muciniphila abundance in feces from 2% to over 30% in high-fat-fed DIO mice. However, it is important to note that the results of studies on the effects of dietary polyphenols on Akkermansia abundance have been inconsistent. While some studies showed that oral intake of dietary polyphenols promoted Akkermansia abundance, others showed no effects.
Plant-derived carbohydrates called Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are found in varying levels in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and grains. A low-FODMAP diet has been reported to reduce levels of Akkermansia. Therefore, including these plant-based foods in your diet may help increase Akkermansia abundance.
Overall, while plant extracts and certain dietary interventions can potentially increase Akkermansia muciniphila abundance, it is important to note that the effects may vary depending on individual factors and the specific chemical nature and sources of the plant compounds. More research is needed to fully understand the role of Akkermansia in the gut ecosystem and the effectiveness of dietary interventions in promoting its abundance.
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Fructooligosaccharides
FOS are found in various foods, including garlic, onions, and certain supplements. They create an optimal gut environment for Akkermansia muciniphila by acting as a food source for this beneficial bacterium.
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium commonly found in the human gut. It plays a crucial role in maintaining gut barrier integrity and has been associated with various health benefits, including appetite regulation, gut barrier maintenance, and repair. This bacterium has also been linked to easier weight management and potential improvements in metabolic health.
Research has shown that Akkermansia levels tend to decrease with age and repeated use of antibiotics, as well as a Western diet low in fiber and polyphenols. Therefore, incorporating FOS and other prebiotic sources into your diet can be a strategic way to promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila and potentially enhance your gut health and overall well-being.
It is important to note that while FOS can be beneficial, they may not be suitable for everyone due to their potential digestive side effects. As always, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or introducing new supplements to ensure they align with your specific needs and health goals.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no foods that directly contain Akkermansia muciniphila. However, you can take dietary steps to encourage the growth of Akkermansia. This includes consuming polyphenols (found in berries, fresh herbs, real cranberry juice, and cocoa), dietary fats (fish oil, flax seed, and olives), and dietary fiber (found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes).
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium commonly found in the human gut. It has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic low-grade inflammation. It may also help support the gut lining, contributing to overall digestive health.
Gut health tests are becoming increasingly popular. The most popular comprehensive stool tests that measure Akkermansia levels are GI MAP from Diagnostic Solutions and GI Effects from Genova Diagnostics.
Yes, there are supplements available that contain Akkermansia muciniphila. Additionally, supplementation with HMOs like 2'-fucosyllactose can indirectly support the growth of Akkermansia by promoting microbial diversity in the gut.
