Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium commonly found in human gut. Mucins are glycoprotein components of the mucous that coats the surfaces of cells lining the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital tracts. Increased mucin production occurs in many cancers (pancreas, lung, breast, ovary, colon and other tissues). Mucins are also over-expressed in lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis.
Akkermansia muciniphila has been reported as a beneficial bacterium that reduces gut barrier disruption and insulin resistance.
Studies have identified a loss in abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Akkermansia muciniphila has been inversely associated with:
- obesity
- diabetes
- inflammation, and
- metabolic disorders.
Due to its highly promising probiotic activities against obesity and diabetes, Akkermansia muciniphila drawn intensive interest for research and development in recent years. A number of human and animal studies have shown that the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut can be enhanced through dietary interventions.
Akkermansia muciniphila may represent 3–5% of the microbial composition in the healthy human intestinal tract, and have a crucial role in the regulation of the gut barrier and other homeostatic and metabolic functions.
References:
– Akkermansia muciniphila-derived extracellular vesicles influence gut permeability through the regulation of tight junctions, https://www.nature.com/articles/emm2017282
– Derrien M, Vaughan EE, Plugge CM, de Vos WM. Akkermansia muciniphila gen. nov., sp. nov., a human intestinal mucin-degrading bacterium. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2004; 54: 1469–1476.
– Strategies to promote abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, an emerging probiotics in the gut, evidence from dietary intervention studies, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617301627
– Mucins in cancer: function, prognosis and therapy, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2951677/
– Specific gut microbiota features and metabolic markers in postmenopausal women with obesity, http://doi.org/10.1038/nutd.2015.9
– Akkermansia muciniphila and its role in regulating host functions, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0882401015301789
Akkermansia spp. is involved in gut membrane integrity and may be increased with polyphenols and prebiotics.
– A low concentration of Akkermansia muciniphila in your gut could indicate a thin mucous layer, thereby resulting in a weakened gut barrier function, besides increased translocation of bacterial toxins.
– People suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), obesity and Type II diabetes (T2D) tend to have lower concentrations of Akkermansia muciniphila.
– Akkermansia muciniphila concentration is also known to decrease with age.
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Akkermansia muciniphila is a type of bacteria that resides in the human gut and plays a key role in maintaining gut health. It is known for its ability to degrade mucin (a key component of the mucus layer in the gut) and for its associations with various aspects of health, including weight management, glucose metabolism, and inflammation.
If a GI Effects gut panel indicates a decreased level of Akkermansia muciniphila, here are some general strategies that might be considered to help increase its levels:
→ Dietary Changes:
- Prebiotic Foods: Consuming foods rich in prebiotics (like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and artichokes) can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including Akkermansia.
- Polyphenol-Rich Foods: Foods high in polyphenols such as berries, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and green tea might also support the growth of Akkermansia.
- Fiber-Rich Diet: A diet high in diverse forms of dietary fiber can promote a healthy gut microbiome.
→ Probiotics and Supplements:
- While there are no specific probiotic supplements containing Akkermansia muciniphila available commercially, certain probiotics might help support a gut environment that is conducive to its growth.
- Omega-3 fatty acids and other supplements might also be beneficial, but it's important to discuss these with a healthcare professional before starting.
→ Lifestyle Changes:
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to positively influence the gut microbiome.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health, so stress-reduction techniques may be helpful.
→ Avoiding Harmful Substances:
- Reducing the intake of antibiotics, unless medically necessary, as they can disrupt the gut microbiome.
- Limiting the intake of foods and substances that can negatively affect gut health, like excessive alcohol, processed foods, and certain artificial sweeteners.
→ Medical Consultation:
- It's crucial to work with healthcare professionals, such as a gastroenterologist or a dietitian who specializes in gut health, to develop a personalized plan. They can provide specific recommendations based on individual health needs and conditions.
→ Monitoring and Follow-up:
- Regular follow-ups and possibly re-testing with the GI Effects gut panel or similar tests can help monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Remember, each person's microbiome is unique, so what works for one individual might not work for another. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
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