Akkermansia - a super biotic?

What is Akkermansia and how does it work?

Named after its preferred energy source, Akkermansia muciniphila feeds on mucin, a glycoprotein that regulates the thickness of our gut’s intestinal mucosal layer (6). As a byproduct of munching on mucin, Akkermansia produces propionate and acetate, two short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that feed other beneficial gut bacteria to make butyrate, a SCFA and vital energy source for mucus-secreting goblet cells and intestinal epithelial cells. Scientists call this cross-feeding.

SCFAs strengthen tight junctions (the glue that holds our intestinal cells together) and prevent unwanted materials from passing through and into circulation. Think of your gut lining as a coffee filter, it lets the good stuff (coffee) in and keeps the bad stuff (coffee grinds) out. Here, the “bad stuff” represents allergens, endotoxins, fecal matter, and food particles, and the “good stuff” represents macro and micronutrients from real whole foods.

When bad stuff is getting through, we see what’s called intestinal hyperpermeability or “leaky gut”—the root cause of so many chronic diseases. Having a leaky gut causes the immune system to go haywire and become hypersensitive, constantly reacting to antigens (foreign proteins from food and bacteria) that enter the bloodstream unannounced.

We are learning more every day about how Akkermansia works. Through my own experience, working with patients, talking with colleagues, and reading the research, I’ve seen that higher Akkermansia levels are linked to better metabolic health, gut function, and immune health in most people (8); however, many are deficient or have undetectable levels.

Akkermansia can play a pivotal role in treating chronic disease, and you can increase your levels naturally (using the power of real food!) for a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

Akkermansia in Chronic Disease

Your intestinal epithelial cells are the only thing separating your immune system (and body) from what’s going on inside your gut. Poor diet and lifestyle choices, antibiotics, and stress can damage these cells and create a leaky gut.

This is why Akkermansia is effective in chronic disease prevention and treatment. Its SCFA metabolites feed intestinal cells and therefore strengthen the gut barrier to prevent unwanted materials from passing through. As a result, this leads to the production of anti-inflammatory molecules and reduced inflammation (2)(3)(7).

Most Akkermansia studies have been on animals, but studies show that high levels of Akkermansia are also consistent with positive health outcomes in humans. However, there are some instances where Akkermansia needs further research, like in certain autoimmune conditions.

Obesity

There is an epidemic of obesity in our country, which is now even trickling into remote parts of the world who are eating a Westernized diet. Processed foods rob us of our health in multiple ways, one of which is by destroying our good gut bugs.

I think it makes sense, then, that Akkermansia is inversely correlated with body weight and BMI in human and animal studies (4).

One study found that obese adults who had higher Akkermansia levels had healthier metabolic status and better clinical outcomes (fasting blood sugar, body fat distribution, and insulin sensitivity) after 6-weeks of calorie restriction compared to those with lower Akkermansia levels (9).

Increasing Akkermansia has also demonstrated effectiveness at lowering blood lipid levels, weight loss, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance in mice (4)(10)(11).

My Akkermansia Gut Repair Shake (Dr. Hyman)

• 1 scoop ImmunoG PRP by NuMedica or SBI Protect (dairy-free) by Orthomolecular Products (bovine immunoglobulins aka colostrum)
• 1 scoop acacia fiber (a prebiotic)
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate concentrate (I use Lakewood organic)
• 1 tablespoon cranberry concentrate (I use Lakewood organic)
• 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder (I use Navitas)
• 1 stick ProbioMax 350 DF by Xymogen (or your favorite high-potency probiotic)
• 1 scoop collagen powder
•  https://drhyman.com/blog/2021/07/26/akkermansia-muciniphila/

My Notes: Mulberry leaves and berberine are supposed to propagate this bacteria as well. it appears that this bacteria also generates SCFAs, reduces triglycerides, diabetes, reduces inflammation, weight gain

Andrographis study

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343188815_Andrographolide_Exerts_Antihyperglycemic_Effect_through_Strengthening_Intestinal_Barrier_Function_and_Increasing_Microbial_Composition_of_Akkermansia_muciniphila