As a dietitian that has a few years under my belt interpreting GI Map tests, one specific strain in the “normal bacterial flora” category that seems to be on the low end for most stool tests I interpret. This strain is Akkermansia muciniphila, and there has been a progressive rise in publications around this keystone strain in the last decade. This flood of research, just like any, can help a clinical practitioner further decide how low levels of this strain may connect to symptoms and of course what to do about it. 

What is Akkermansia Muciniphila? 

If you really break down some long, complicated, scientific terms, they sometimes make sense. Akkermansia muciniphila is one of them. Akkermansia is named after Anton Akkermans, a Dutch microbiologist. The muciniphila piece was named because it lives in the mucosal layer in the gut and gets its food source from mucus proteins. To put it simply, it means “mucus loving”.

Why focus on Akkermansia levels?    

We could spin this many ways, but let’s dive into the core ways that I often work with patients/ clients including metabolic health, immunity, and obviously gut health:

• Akkermansia muciniphila abundance has been associated with improved metabolic outcomes, including healthy body fat distribution, triglyceride levels, and insulin sensitivity. 
• With autoimmune conditions on the rise, practitioners are inevitably getting more curious about possible links, especially regarding the gut. While research is mixed with autoimmunity and akkermansia levels (some exhibit low levels while others show higher levels), testing these levels and taking appropriate action steps to get the microbiome into balance can always be helpful.
• We can link leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, with both decreased metabolic function and decreased immunity. As mentioned, akkermansia thrives in the mucosal layer, thus is essential for a healthy gut lining. With increased intestinal permeability, symptoms range from overt gut symptoms to mood issues, skin conditions, brain fog and more. 

So, what can we do about it?

One easy, memorable nutrition habit to increase polyphenol levels is to focus on deep red produce. This includes pomegranates, cranberries, raspberries, apples, and strawberries. Overall, akkermansia loves polyphenols, which are found in these types of produce, some green tea, nuts, and herbs. If tested and significantly low, a probiotic containing akkermansia can be helpful as well. You can read further on Pedulum’s site. 

If you’re feeling stuck on the implementation/ integration piece, working with an RD can help discuss all factors associated with this, lab test for the root cause, and devise a game plan. Simply fill out this application form and we will be in touch. During my free consultation, I deep dive into a “My Symptom Questionnaire” to take all of this to another level and really help you understand your body. All visits are telehealth and I do have insurance options.