Summary: Akkermansia muciniphila is a commensal bacteria found in healthy human colons that is widely regarded as a promising next-generation probiotic. Researchers have mainly focused on therapeutic potential for obesity and diabetes, but there’s also substantial interest in the field of IBD, particularly for its beneficial effects on gut barrier function. However, a minority of researchers have suggested that Akkermansia muciniphila could worsen colitis. Despite that, most of the evidence thus far suggests that A. muciniphila could potentially be leveraged as a beneficial therapy for IBD and gut health in general once more research has been done.
This post is part of the IBD Index.
Table of Contents
Akkermansia Muciniphila: Fast Facts
Akkermansia Muciniphila Degrades Colonic Mucus – But That’s a Good Thing
Akkermansia Muciniphila Strengthens the Gut Barrier
Akkermansia Muciniphila May Promote Intestinal Wound Healing
Akkermansia Muciniphila May Modulate Immune Response to Commensal Bacteria
From Mechanisms to Colitis Models in Mice
Schrödinger’s Bacteria: Akkermansia Muciniphila Both Promotes and Ameliorates Colitis
So What Does This Mean for Humans with IBD?
Akkermansia Muciniphila and IBD? It’s Complicated.
Should I Take Akkermansia Muciniphila?
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species may still be the darlings of the probiotic world, but there’s a new kid on the block: Akkermansia muciniphila.
This bacteria was isolated for the first time in 2004 (1) so it’s still relatively new to the game, but you can see from this fun trend analysis (2) that research has exploded, especially in the last couple years.
So what is Akkermansia muciniphila, and why the interest all of a sudden?
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