Dr. Manoj Sharma-
Dr. Manoj Sharma is a Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Health and an Adjunct Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. He is a global health promotion expert and president of Health for All, Inc.
Gut bacteria are an integral part of the human body and reside in the intestines from birth until death. Recent advancements in gene sequencing, bioinformatics, and culturomics have fostered more research into microbiota. Recent research suggests that a gut bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphilia, which degrades mucin, a sugary protein secreted by the intestinal epithelium, is beneficial for metabolic health. It was first isolated in 2004 by Derrien and colleagues in The Netherlands.
It has been alluded to as a “next-generation beneficial probiotic microbe” with a protective effect against metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. When Akkermansia is present in the right quantity it has been suggested to improve both metabolic and immune health, especially in overweight and obese individuals. Its effect on immune health has been proposed due to the modulation of striking a balance between immune cells in the intestinal system and hence protecting the entire body. However, current evidence on this bacterium is limited.
Despite the limited evidence, Akkermansia is available over the counter as a prebiotic and probiotic, being marketed, and many people are consuming it. It is claimed to have similar effects to the novel news-making drugs Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for supporting the natural production of GLP-1 and aiding in weight reduction. On Amazon, a vial of 60 capsules of Akkermansia is available for about $20. An article in the journal Life published in 2023 cautions against such use. It mentions that excessive supplementation may not be useful. Specifically, people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Salmonella typhimurium infection, or post-antibiotic reorganization may not derive any benefits from such supplementation. A drawback of excessive degradation of mucin by Akkermansia is the possible induction of a severe vulnerability to germs, inflammatory intestinal diseases, and colorectal cancer. Further, research has shown that people suffering from certain conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis have higher amounts of this bacteria warranting more research. Furthermore, some people with certain conditions have the propensity to develop IBD with the supplementation of this bacteria.
Hence, it is worth noting that the research with Akkermansia is in its infancy. The mechanism of action is not well understood and is being explored. Further, the dietary factors that increase or promote Akkermansia in the mucosa of the intestines are not known and are being researched. Furthermore, not enough randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the gold standard for establishing any medical intervention, have not been performed with Akkermansia for its preventive or therapeutic roles.
So, one should not injudiciously consume Akkermansia just because it is being marketed or is the latest hype. One should consult their healthcare provider before starting this supplementation and make an informed choice.
