The Longevity Probiotic: Unraveling the Benefits of Akkermansia

Deep within your gut lives a microbe that scientists believe could be essential to healthy aging. Meet Akkermansia muciniphila—or Akkermansia for short—a bacteria that's earning a reputation as the "longevity probiotic."

Think of your intestinal barrier as a protective fortress. While most bacteria focus on breaking down food, Akkermansia has a unique role: it nourishes and maintains the mucus barrier lining your gut. This ability to support the integrity of the gut lining makes Akkermansia an important player in the human gut microbiome, influencing everything from gut permeability to immune health.

The benefits of Akkermansia go beyond just gut health. Research suggests that this microbe may help balance the gut microbiota and even help support metabolism.

Consider these five ways Akkermansia may influence how well we age:

1. Akkermansia supports healthy weight management

When scientists studied people who maintain healthy weight despite various diets, they found something interesting—these individuals typically had higher levels of Akkermansia in their gut.

Another study conducted on diet-induced obese mice revealed similar results:

• Their cells became more responsive to insulin.
• They gained less weight while eating the same amount of food.
• Their body's response to cellular stress improved significantly.
• Their metabolism improved, similar to that of lean mice.

Having Akkermansia in your gut may support efficient nutrient processing, allowing the body to use nutrients effectively rather than storing them as excess fat. While further human studies are ongoing, these findings suggest that maintaining healthy Akkermansia levels can significantly help with weight management.

Here's how Akkermansia probiotic can help manage weight gain:

Supports insulin sensitivity

Your body's cells contain receptors that respond to insulin, which acts as a "key" allowing sugar to enter the cells for energy. Over time, factors like diet, cellular stress, and excess fat can cause these receptors to become less responsive—a condition known as insulin resistance.

Akkermansia has been shown to help restore these receptors' function by strengthening the gut barrier, which, in turn:

• Promotes a healthy gut microbiota composition
• Minimizes the leakage of endotoxins, which can trigger metabolic stress and contribute to insulin insensitivity
• Encourages the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and propionate, which are known to stimulate insulin receptors and promote glucose uptake

Regulates fat storage

Studies show that higher levels of Akkermansia are linked to lower fat accumulation in tissues, promoting a leaner body composition. This beneficial bacteria helps manage how your body stores and uses fat by producing SCFAs, which signal the body to break down stored fat and limit the creation of new fat cells. Also, Akkermansia helps promote fat burning in the liver and muscles, helping the body use fat more efficiently for energy.

As a valuable part of the human intestinal microbiota, Akkermansia encourages healthy fat distribution and supports intestinal homeostasis—the balanced state of the gut environment, where beneficial microbes, immune responses, and the gut lining work together to keep the digestive system functioning smoothly.

Optimizes metabolic resilience

Excessive metabolic stress can disrupt healthy weight management and normal cellular functions. Akkermansia muciniphila helps reduce this stress and promote resilience by producing beneficial compounds and strengthening the gut barrier, creating a more balanced internal environment.

Note, however, that while Akkermansia is a promising probiotic, it's not a magic solution for weight loss. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle factors are also crucial for effective weight management.

2. Akkermansia helps strengthen the gut barrier

Think of the lining of the human intestinal tract as a protective barrier that selectively allows nutrients in while keeping harmful substances out. Akkermansia helps keep this barrier strong in several ways:

• Strengthens the mucus layer: Akkermansia lives in the mucus of the gut, where it helps maintain and thicken this layer, blocking harmful particles from entering the bloodstream.
• Tightens cell connections: Akkermansia stimulates the production of proteins that seal gaps between gut cells, reducing the chance of unwanted substances “leaking” out of the gut.
• Produces SCFAs: Akkermansia generates SCFAs, which nourish intestinal cells and support gut barrier function. These compounds create a balanced gut environment and encourage nutrient absorption.
• Supports immune regulation: By reinforcing the gut lining, Akkermansia helps reduce excessive immune responses in the intestines, creating a stable internal environment that promotes nutrient absorption and efficient digestion.

3. Akkermansia helps balance the immune system

Akkermansia helps regulate the immune system, keeping it balanced and effective. Here’s how it supports immune health:

• Produces calming compounds: Akkermansia generates short-chain fatty acids like acetate and propionate, which have soothing effects that help maintain balanced immune responses.
• Strengthens the gut barrier: By reinforcing the gut lining, Akkermansia keeps harmful substances out of the bloodstream, reducing the need for constant immune activation and easing persistent immune responses.
• Promotes immune balance: Akkermansia supports regulatory T cells and lowers levels of immune markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, which can mitigate immune-related risks and metabolic issues.

4. Akkermansia supports healthy aging and longevity

Aging may not be a choice, but studies suggest that it can be a more graceful process with the right support. Research shows that increasing dietary Akkermansia levels could help extend health span, promoting vitality and minimizing aging effects.

Here’s how Akkermansia may support a more active, vibrant aging process:

• Promotes energy levels: By targeting metabolic efficiency, Akkermansia supports the body’s energy production. This means more sustained energy levels, making it easier to stay active as you age.
• Supports skin health: This beneficial bacterium may help maintain a youthful complexion by producing compounds that reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in skin aging. Additionally, Akkermansia supports balanced immune responses that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keep skin looking fresh.
• Reinforces gut barrier integrity: Akkermansia strengthens the gut barrier by stimulating mucus production, creating a robust defense against harmful bacteria and toxins. This function is essential for keeping gut-related issues in check, which can affect overall vitality.
• Balances immune responses: Aging is often accompanied by immune changes. Akkermansia helps modulate immune activity in the gut, reducing low-level immune responses that may otherwise accelerate age-related health concerns.
• Supports metabolic health and weight management: Akkermansia has been shown to support metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and healthy weight management.

5. Akkermansia promotes gut microbiome diversity 

Akkermansia muciniphila plays a crucial role in enhancing the diversity of the gut microbiome, which is essential for maintaining gut health and overall well-being. Here are specific ways Akkermansia supports this diversity:

Fosters beneficial bacteria

Akkermansia breaks down mucus in the gut lining into SCFAs and other nutrients that beneficial bacteria thrive on. This process encourages a broader, more diverse microbiome, which is crucial for gut health.

Strengthens the gut barrier

By reinforcing the gut lining, Akkermansia helps block harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream. This stronger barrier supports a balanced environment where beneficial bacteria can flourish, promoting overall microbiome diversity and stability.

Mitigates overgrowth of harmful bacteria

By occupying space in the gut and consuming available resources, Akkermansia limits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, helping to limit imbalances (dysbiosis) that can lead to digestive and metabolic issues.

Enhances communication along the gut-brain axis

A balanced and diverse microbiome, supported by Akkermansia and other gut microbes, contributes positively to the gut-brain axis. This connection affects neurotransmitter production and promotes beneficial signals associated with a healthy response to stress, facilitating an overall feeling of mental well-being.

Akkermansia supplementation: How InfiniWell can help

InfiniWell offers high-quality Akkermansia-based supplements that support gut health, metabolic function, and overall well-being. Here’s a closer look at our products:

Akkermansia probiotic capsules

InfiniWell’s probiotic Akkermansia capsules are designed to deliver targeted benefits to support gut and metabolic health:

• Supports GLP-1 production: Stimulates GLP-1—or glucagon-like peptide-1—production, which helps regulate appetite and energy balance.
• Promotes metabolic efficiency: Encourages fat oxidation for a more efficient metabolism.
• Optimizes gut barrier integrity: Reinforces the gut lining, helping to create a balanced bacterial environment and healthy microbiome.
• Promotes leaner body composition: Assists in maintaining a leaner body composition by promoting fat metabolism.

BPC-157 probiotic

BPC-157 Probiotic

This Akkermansia probiotic combines the unique benefits of BPC-157 with Akkermansia’s gut-supportive effects:

• Supports healthy gut microbiota: Encourages a diverse and balanced microbiome, creating an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive.
• Optimizes gut barrier integrity: Helps maintain a resilient gut lining, allowing more beneficial bacteria to thrive.
• Enhances GLP-1 production: Encourages GLP-1 production, helping with appetite control and energy metabolism.
• Promotes a healthier body composition: Supports a balanced body composition and aids in efficient calorie use.

InfiniWell’s Akkermansia-based products offer targeted support for gut health, metabolic function, and weight management, providing a natural way to strengthen and balance the gut microbiome. Get yours today!

But as always, before taking any supplements, we recommend that you consult your doctor.

Akkermansia supplement: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How does Akkermansia muciniphila aid in weight management?

Akkermansia muciniphila has been associated with weight management due to its role in metabolic health maintenance. This probiotic helps support insulin sensitivity, regulate fat storage, and promote efficient nutrient processing, which may collectively aid in maintaining a healthy weight.

What is an Akkermansia muciniphila supplement, and how does it work?

An Akkermansia muciniphila supplement provides a concentrated amount of this beneficial bacterium. It works by reinforcing the gut barrier, balancing immune responses, and promoting a healthy gut environment, which can contribute to improved metabolic function and overall gut health.

Can taking an Akkermansia muciniphila probiotic support weight management?

Yes, Akkermansia muciniphila probiotics may support weight management. Studies indicate that this probiotic can help regulate metabolism, including fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and improve how the body processes energy, potentially aiding in weight control.

What are the benefits of an Akkermansia muciniphila supplement for gut health?

Akkermansia muciniphila is known for strengthening the gut barrier, which helps selectively allow only the more beneficial substances to enter the bloodstream. This probiotic also supports a balanced gut microbiome, immune function, and digestive stability, all of which are essential for optimal gut health.

How long does it take to see results from an Akkermansia supplement?

The time it takes to see results can vary, as it depends on factors like diet, lifestyle, and individual gut health. Generally, users may begin to notice improvements in digestion and metabolic health within a few weeks, though significant changes in weight and energy levels may take longer.

Also, remember that it's wise to first check with your healthcare provider before taking Akkermansia supplements, especially if you have underlying health issues and are taking prescription medications.

SOURCES:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8726741/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7046546/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9300896/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7524283/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10676789/