Low Akkermansia Muciniphila? Symptoms, Causes & How to Check

Akkermansia muciniphila makes up about 4% of the total bacteria in the gut of healthy individuals. It plays a crucial role in enhancing metabolic and immune health.

Low levels of Akkermansia may lead to infections, digestive disorders, and metabolic issues. The goal of this article is to explore the symptoms, causes of low Akkermansia levels, and how to test for this to protect gut health.

Understanding Akkermansia Muciniphila Levels in Human Health

Akkermansia muciniphila is a common gut bacterium primarily found in the mucus layer lining the intestinal mucosa. It breaks down mucin, a structural protein, helping maintain the intestinal barrier and regulating immune function.

Recent studies suggest that people with better metabolic health tend to have higher levels of Akkermansia compared to those with metabolic disorders. This bacterium is linked to several benefits, such as blood sugar control, reduced body fat, and lower inflammation.

Therefore, Akkermansia muciniphila is being considered as a potential probiotic to improve gut and metabolic health [1].

The levels of Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut typically decrease with age, which is part of the natural aging process. However, in healthy older adults and centenarians, Akkermansia levels are often higher, suggesting that this bacterium may help maintain health and support healthy aging.

Studies also show that supplementing with A. muciniphila can improve gut health, immune function, and extend lifespan in mice, offering promising potential for promoting health in humans [2].

If your test shows low Akkermansia levels, don't worry too much. About 25% of people have low levels, and 18% have no Akkermansia in their body at all. This reduction can be due to aging, an unhealthy diet, or the use of antibiotics.

However, you can easily improve your Akkermansia levels by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, helping to boost your overall health.

On platforms like Reddit and TikTok, many individuals share experiences of how dietary changes or probiotics have helped "improve gut health by increasing Akkermansia," along with benefits like reduced inflammation and better weight management.

For instance, when MrSojek raised a question about why Akkermansia muciniphila—a bacterium known to degrade the intestinal mucus layer—is considered beneficial for gut health, particularly given the association between mucosal damage and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, user Billbat1 clarified that Akkermansia does not harm the mucosa. Instead, it promotes the production of mucus by the gut, supporting the regeneration and maintenance of the protective mucosal barrier.*

Related article: 5 Akkermansia Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage

However, some opinions express caution, particularly in the absence of official guidelines. For instance, the account Sensitive-Baker-2253 suggested that Akkermansia might be beneficial when the body is healthy but could cause harm if the mucosal layer is damaged and cannot regenerate.*

Thus, Akkermansia muciniphila appears to help care for our body. However, this raises an important question: What happens when Akkermansia levels are low? And is there a way to test for it accurately?

Symptoms of Low Akkermansia Levels

When Akkermansia muciniphila levels are low, the body may experience several health issues:

• Metabolic disorders: Low Akkermansia levels may be linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic problems, leading to weight gain and bodily health issues. Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal distension, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, and other related symptoms.
• Compromised intestinal barrier: A lack of Akkermansia weakens the mucus layer protecting the intestines, increasing the risk of inflammation and intestinal damage.
• Increased inflammation in the body: Reduced Akkermansia may lead to chronic inflammation, heightening the risk of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
• Impact on longevity: Low Akkermansia levels may reduce the ability to maintain good health and lifespan.

What Causes Low Akkermansia Levels

Several conditions or factors are associated with a reduction in this bacterium in the gut, specifically:

• Conditions related to decreased Akkermansia muciniphila levels:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Autism
• High-Fat Diet
• Studies in mice have shown that diets high in fat significantly reduce Akkermansia levels in the gut. Obesity reduces Akkermansia muciniphila levels in the gut, leading to metabolic disorders. Studies in mice show that supplementing with prebiotics or Akkermansia can improve these levels, reduce inflammation, body fat, insulin resistance, and improve metabolic issues.
• Low-Fiber Diet

Fiber is essential for gut health. A diet low in dietary fiber can lead to a decline in Akkermansia populations.

• Antibiotic Use

Broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota, including reducing levels of beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila.

• Unhealthy Lifestyle

Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, stress, and irregular sleep can negatively affect the gut microbiome and contribute to lower Akkermansia levels.

• Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

Both animal and human studies have found significantly lower Akkermansia levels in individuals with obesity, particularly in those with severe or morbid obesity.

• Age: Akkermansia muciniphila levels decrease in older individuals (>80 years).
• Genetic or immune factors: For example, the cytokine IFN-γ can reduce this bacterium, which is related to poor glucose tolerance.
• A lack of prebiotics in the diet – such as inulin or other fermentable fibers – is also considered a factor in hindering the growth of this bacterium.

How to Test for Akkermansia

Testing for Akkermansia levels in the body is becoming increasingly common. Stool tests such as GI MAP and GI Effects can measure the levels of this bacterium.

In the video "How To Test For Akkermansia In The Gut," Dr. Kara Fitzgerald (a functional medicine expert specializing in longevity and epigenetics) shares that the most common way to test Akkermansia muciniphila levels in the gut is through stool tests.

Laboratories like Diagnostic Solutions or GOVA are often used clinically to assess this bacterium. However, she emphasizes that test results are indirect, as they do not measure Akkermansia directly at the mucus layer where it primarily resides.

Additionally, she notes that results may vary depending on the lab and technology used, so it is recommended to use the same lab for all tests to ensure consistency.

Finally, Dr. Fitzgerald states that measuring Akkermansia is only a small part of the overall gut health picture and should be combined with clinical assessments for a more accurate conclusion.

Implications of High Akkermansia Levels

Akkermansia has been studied and shown to have positive effects on metabolic and digestive health. Additionally, Akkermansia is found in high amounts in people who live longer, indicating its potential role in supporting longevity.

The article “A Critical Perspective on the Supplementation of Akkermansia muciniphila: Benefits and Harms” by Vito Chiantera and colleagues provides a cautious perspective on supplementing Akkermansia muciniphila, a gut bacterium highly regarded for its ability to improve metabolism and assist in reducing conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases [3].

However, the authors warn that Akkermansia does not always provide benefits. In certain conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Salmonella infection, or the recovery phase after antibiotic use, supplementing this bacterium may be unsuitable and even harmful.

Furthermore, individuals with endocrine or gynecological conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis – who are at high risk for inflammatory bowel disease – should carefully consider the use of Akkermansia.

Some studies have also found that Akkermansia muciniphila is present at unusually high levels in the gut microbiota of patients with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, suggesting that supplementing with this bacterium in these populations may not provide clear benefits.

In conclusion, while Akkermansia muciniphila has great potential, its use should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, avoiding a blanket application to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects.

Dietary Influences on Akkermansia Levels

Diet can affect the levels of Akkermansia muciniphila. Research shows that certain diets and nutritional supplements can increase or decrease Akkermansia muciniphila levels.

For example, calorie-restricted diets and supplements such as pomegranate extract, resveratrol, polydextrose, yeast probiotics, butyrate, and inulin can help increase Akkermansia muciniphila levels.

On the other hand, diets low in oligosaccharides (fermentable sugars), disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols can reduce the levels of this bacterium [4].

While Akkermansia is not found in foods, it can thrive with fiber- and polyphenol-rich foods. Foods like green tea, grape seeds, and pomegranates contain polyphenols that help support Akkermansia growth in the gut.

Prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions, and bananas are also very beneficial. Additionally, probiotic supplements containing Akkermansia can help replenish this bacterium in the body.

However, despite the positive effects from diet, more research is needed to better understand how dietary factors can regulate this bacterium, ultimately aiding in the prevention and treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

Akkermansia Supplementation

Supplementing with Akkermansia muciniphila offers numerous benefits for digestive and metabolic health. This bacterium helps maintain the balance of the gut microbiota, improve digestive function, and protect the intestinal lining.

Akkermansia also enhances the production of GLP-1, which aids in blood sugar regulation and satiety, thereby improving metabolism. Supplement products are often combined with probiotics and prebiotics, such as inulin, to optimize effectiveness.

Particularly, supplementing with Akkermansia may help maintain digestive health as we age, supporting digestive function and cellular health.

“Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium of the intestinal niche, exerting beneficial effects on the host metabolic profile.”

- A Critical Perspective on the Supplementation of Akkermansia muciniphila: Benefits and Harms (Chiantera et al., 2023)

In studies, Akkermansia supplementation has shown significant benefits for individuals with metabolic diseases (Chiantera et al., 2023) [5]. In these individuals, Akkermansia may improve gut health.

However, for healthy individuals, the effects of Akkermansia supplementation may not be as pronounced, although it still helps maintain gut bacteria balance and supports digestive health.

Paige has clearly felt an increase in energy since she started using the Akkermansia muciniphila supplement, which she believes may be due to its ability to support nutrient absorption and boost metabolism. She emphasizes that if you're still skeptical, you should give this Akkermansia muciniphila product a try to see for yourself why it's so effective.*

Conclusion

In conclusion, Akkermansia muciniphila plays a vital role in maintaining gut health and metabolic function. Low levels of Akkermansia may lead to digestive issues, inflammation, and metabolic disorders, while higher levels typically bring overall health benefits.

Regular testing of Akkermansia levels through microbiome tests can help monitor and maintain a balanced gut environment. Adjusting the diet and considering the use of probiotics can support healthy Akkermansia levels, thereby improving gut health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.