Reviewed by: Taylor Berggren MS, RDN
As gut microbiome tests continue to become more accessible, some people are starting to find that they are low in keystone strains like Akkermansia muciniphila. If this is something you are experiencing, finding options to support a healthy level of this microbe can be key to getting your gut health on track.
Why You Want Akkermansia in Your Gut
First off, it’s important to know that Akkermansia muciniphila is one of the most incredibly beneficial gut bacteria, linked to everything from healthy metabolism to a strengthened gut lining. Akkermansia makes up to 1-5% of the total bacteria in a healthy gut. Studies have shown that there is a strong link between strong levels of Akkermansia in the gut and metabolic health. A quick Google search shows that Akkermansia is getting a lot of positive attention in the healthcare community, with over 4,000 science publications and counting.
What Does Akkermansia Do in the Gut?
The “muciniphila” in the Latin name Akkermansia muciniphila actually translates to “lover of mucin.” Mucin refers to the mucus layer lining the intestines, i.e the gut lining. Akkermansia feeds on that mucin and encourages your gut cells to make more mucin to replenish the intestinal wall. They don’t call it the keystone strain for gut health for nothing!
Can You Increase Akkermansia in Your Gut with Food?
So if you’re low in Akkermansia, or don’t have any Akkermansia at all, how do you get Akkermansia into your gut microbiome? Unfortunately, common fermented foods do not contain Akkermansia, so you can’t get it from your diet. However, to encourage the growth of Akkermansia, you can eat foods rich in polyphenols and fiber, including pomegranates, beans, berries, grapes, flaxseed, green tea, nuts, olives, asparagus, onions, oats, etc. The polyphenols in these foods are considered prebiotics, as they benefit the good bacteria in your gut microbiome, like Akkermansia, and promote a healthy gut.
Can You Increase Akkermansia in Your Gut with a Probiotic?
Admittedly, it’s difficult to find Akkermansia as a probiotic because it's what’s called an anaerobic strain, meaning it needs to be grown in an oxygen-free environment (like your gut). This makes Akkermansia unique, and difficult to manufacture. Here at Pendulum, our team of PhD scientists rose to the challenge and built their own oxygen-free manufacturing facility to bring live Akkermansia to you. It’s because of this cutting-edge science that this next generation beneficial strain is now available in a daily live probiotic.
Content is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
