The Gut Bacteria That Could Change Your Health (And You’ve Probably Never Heard of It)

You’ve most likely heard about how probiotics can support your gut health. Maybe you even take a few. But there’s one specific gut bacteria that scientists are getting especially excited about, but chances are, it’s not on your radar.

It’s called Akkermansia muciniphila, and this microscopic resident of your gut might just be the missing piece when it comes to better digestion, a stronger immune system, lower inflammation, and even easier weight management.

The Importance of Akkermansia Muciniphila on Human Health

Akkermansia muciniphila is a type of beneficial bacteria that lives in the mucus layer lining your intestines. By consuming the mucus, it actually helps your body produce more of it. And that’s a good thing. Because a healthy mucus layer acts like armor for your gut, protecting you from harmful bacteria, toxins, and inflammation.

Discovered in 2004, Akkermansia now accounts for up to 3-5% of the bacteria in the gut of healthy individuals. And research keeps stacking up linking it to improved gut barrier function, metabolic health, and immune balance.

In short, when Akkermansia levels are well regulated, your body tends to run more smoothly. When they’re low, things can go off the rails, especially in terms of inflammation, blood sugar, and body weight.

What Does Akkermansia Do for Your Body?

Akkermansia isn’t just hanging around in your gut, research suggests it’s actively working to keep you healthy and fighting age related diseases. 

Here’s what it’s been shown to do:

• Reinforces the gut barrier: By stimulating mucus production, Akkermansia strengthens and helps maintain the integrity of your intestinal lining and preventing harmful substances from slipping into your bloodstream.
  
• Improves metabolic health: Studies show it can increase insulin sensitivity, support healthy blood sugar levels, and reduce fat accumulation.
  
• Reduces inflammation: It helps regulate immune responses and produces short-chain fatty acids like acetate and propionate, which cool down inflammation throughout the body.
  
• Supports immune function: Akkermansia interacts directly with immune cells, helping your body fight off infections while avoiding overreactions (like autoimmune flare-ups).
  
• Enhances nutrient absorption: A healthier gut lining allows your body to absorb nutrients more effectively.
  

What Are the Negative Effects of Akkermansia?

While most of the research so far paints Akkermansia in a positive light, it’s important to remember that balance is key in the gut. Too little Akkermansia? That’s been linked to metabolic disorders, inflammation, and gut permeability (“leaky gut”).

Too much? That’s less common, but some studies suggest that extremely high levels could be problematic in certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis, and more. 

The key takeaway? Akkermansia is good in moderation, but your gut microbiome is a delicate ecosystem. More isn’t always better.

Can Akkermansia Help You Lose Weight?

Possibly, and the science is promising. Higher levels of Akkermansia have been linked to healthier body weight, reduced fat mass, and better blood sugar control. Some researchers believe that by improving the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and influencing how fat is stored and burned, Akkermansia plays a role in helping the body regulate its weight naturally.

It’s not a magic bullet, but supporting Akkermansia could be one piece of the larger puzzle when it comes to sustainable fat loss and metabolic health.

Can Probiotics Help Increase Akkermansia muciniphila?

Akkermansia muciniphila is a bit of an outlier in the probiotic world. Unlike Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, while it is available, it’s not found in most over-the-counter probiotics, at least, not yet. But that doesn’t mean probiotics can’t support it.

Here’s what the research suggests:

1. Certain probiotics may create a gut environment where Akkermansia thrives. While Akkermansia itself isn’t typically included in most probiotic formulas, other strains can play a supporting role. Some Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species have been shown to improve gut barrier function and reduce inflammation—two factors that help create the ideal conditions for Akkermansia to grow. Think of it like setting the stage: these “helper strains” improve the overall balance of your microbiome, making it easier for Akkermansia to take root and multiply.
   
2. Postbiotics and Prebiotics included in probiotic formulas may feed Akkermansia. Some advanced probiotics now include prebiotics, the fibers and compounds that serve as fuel for beneficial bacteria. Akkermansia feeds on specific types of mucin and polyphenol-related compounds, and when these are present, its numbers can increase. Some probiotics also include postbiotics, which are byproducts that support gut health and immune function, indirectly benefiting Akkermansia as part of a stronger ecosystem.
3. Emerging research and next-gen probiotics that target Akkermansia. Clinical studies are currently underway testing live Akkermansia muciniphila as a next-generation probiotic for metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

The takeaway here is you can create the conditions it needs to grow with the right diet, lifestyle, and probiotic strategy.

How Do You Increase Akkermansia Naturally?

While you won’t find Akkermansia on the shelf in most supplement stores next to your typical probiotic supplements. But the good news is, there are several simple, natural ways to feed and support this helpful bacteria.

Here’s what helps Akkermansia thrive:

1. Eating polyphenol-rich foods: Think colorful plants like berries, pomegranates, grapes, red onions, green tea, and even dark chocolate. These compounds create a gut environment where Akkermansia can flourish.
   
2. Prebiotic fiber: Certain types of fiber act as fuel for your gut bacteria. Garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and bananas are all rich in prebiotics that support microbial diversity, including Akkermansia.
3. Omega-3 rich fats: Healthy fats from salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, and walnuts have been linked to better gut health and a stronger intestinal barrier.
4. Eliminate processed foods: Sugar, artificial ingredients, alcohol, and processed meals can disrupt your gut’s microbial balance. A whole-foods-based diet helps the good guys like Akkermansia thrive.
5. Fasting or time-restricted eating: Emerging research suggests that giving your gut a break (i.e. not constantly snacking) may help promote Akkermansia levels. Intermittent fasting protocols are currently being studied in this context.

Feed the Good Bacteria That Actually Move the Needle

Supporting your gut health isn’t just about eating more fiber or taking any random probiotic off the shelf. It’s about cultivating the right bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila that actually make a difference in how you feel, perform, and recover.

That’s where PRO+FLORA can help.

PRO+FLORA is specifically formulated to support the bacteria that matter most—promoting a stronger gut lining, better digestion, reduced inflammation, and a healthier microbiome overall.

If you’re serious about fixing what’s going on inside so everything else runs better on the outside, PRO+FLORA may be exactly what you’re looking for.