Akkermansia muciniphila: Health Benefits and Safety

Answer:

Akkermansia muciniphila, often referred to as a "next generation probiotic," is a species of bacteria that makes up about 3% to 5% of gut bacteria in healthy adults (Li, Front Microbiol 2024; Xu, Front Microbiol 2020). It is believed to colonize the human intestines during infancy and decline in abundance with age (Yang, Front Immunol 2025).

Laboratory and animal studies suggest that Akkermansia muciniphila helps maintain the protective mucus layer of the gut by breaking down the glycoproteins that form this mucus layer, which stimulates the production of new mucus. Like other probiotics, Akkermansia muciniphila also helps convert dietary fiber into butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids that may have beneficial effects on metabolism. In mice, a short-chain fatty acid and metabolite of Akkermansia muciniphila, known as propionate, has been shown to stimulate the secretion of GLP-1 (Li, Front Microbiol 2023).

Based on its purported effects for improving gut health, boosting metabolism, and regulating blood sugar control and appetite, there is interest in Akkermansia muciniphila for numerous conditions, including insulin resistance, diabetes, weight loss, cancer, fatty liver disease, anti-aging, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and chronic kidney disease.

Sign in as a member to find out if Akkermansia muciniphila (found in supplements such as Pendulum Glucose Control and Pendulum Akkermansia, as well as Oncobax®-AK) has shown benefit for any of these conditions and whether it's safe.

Also see our Probiotics Review in which we tested supplements from Pendulum that include Akkermansia muciniphila.