Akkermanisa has a very important role in the health of the lining of your gut, which serves to regulate what gets absorbed into your bloodstream, and what leaves as waste.
Akkermansia muciniphila strengthens the gut barrier (the mucosal lining of the intestines) by keeping it in balance, which reduces inflammation, improves metabolism, and supports blood sugar control. It breaks down excess and poor quality mucus. Imbalanced levels of Akkermansia can lead to body-wide chronic inflammation and increased intestinal permeability – aka leaky gut – which, due to a breakdown in the intestinal lining, allows toxins and pathogen to pass into the bloodstream and cause problems.
Low levels of Akkermansia can cause systemic inflammation; digestive symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and food sensitivities; metabolic issues (insulin resistance and diabetes); and is suspected of being the main cause of osteoarthritis. I have also read about a link between low levels of Akkermansia and cancer.
High levels of Akkermansia (specifically when out of balance with other beneficial gut microbes) leave the gut lining in bad shape because the Akkermansia eat too much of the mucus barrier so there is not enough protection for the intestinal lining. This exposes the delicate intestinal cells and triggers the dendritic cells that serve as sentinels for the immune system. This can also lead to increased inflammation, can create abdominal rawness, appetite issues and discomfort, can aggravate colitis symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea) and worsened outcomes in colorectal cancers.
High levels of Akkermansia are less common than cases of low levels of Akkermansia, but testing before supplementing (using a test such as the BiomeFX stool test) is important to ensure proper support. Akkermansia is currently the subject of much research, and one of the ways to support the microbiome is to eat a diet rich in a variety of plant foods. This helps bring the body back into balance, regardless of high or low levels of Akkermansia. Polyphenols, compounds found in berries, pomegranate, green tea, apples, and nuts, has been found to be particularly helpful in increasing levels of Akkermansia.
Pomegranate extract is an easy way to get these polyphenols and is often recommended for those experiencing low levels of Akkermansia. We carry Pomegranate Extract from Life Extension in the office for those who would benefit!