A new class of probiotic supplements claim to help you manage your weight, improve your blood sugar levels, and boost your body’s production of GLP-1, the satiety hormone that drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are designed to mimic.
Studies have found that people who have high levels of akkermansia have lower rates of weight gain, obesity and metabolic disease. And people who have low levels of this gut microbe, studies suggest, tend to be less healthy.
A ‘shining star’ of gut flora
Although Akkermansia muciniphila is one of hundreds of different species that make up the gut microbiome, it has garnered unusual scientific interest. One scientific paper last year that explored its health effects called akkermansia the “shining star of the gut flora.” Other researchers have called it a “next-generation” probiotic that has the potential to help alleviate some chronic diseases.
Some small trials have found that taking akkermansia supplements lowered blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and reduced inflammation in people who were overweight or obese.
The scientific buzz around akkermansia has led to a burgeoning market of trendy probiotic supplements. The most prominent brand in this space is Pendulum, a company based in San Francisco that has a large following. Pendulum’s ads on social media include endorsements from the actress Halle Berry, who has publicly discussed her diabetes and is also an investor in the company and its chief communications officer.
Pendulum sells several lines of probiotic supplements that contain Akkermansia muciniphila, including one marketed for diabetes management that costs $165 for a one-month supply.
Colleen Cutcliffe, a scientist who co-founded Pendulum and serves as its CEO, said that akkermansia is different from the traditional probiotics found in fermented foods and dietary supplements, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. These species of friendly bacteria are known to help with digestive issues like diarrhea, bloating and constipation, while the “next-generation” probiotics like akkermansia play an important role in things like your appetite, body weight, and metabolic health, said Cutcliffe.
Studies point to potential downsides
But not everyone is convinced. Some scientists say that while the data on akkermansia and its health benefits looks promising, there hasn’t been enough research on its potential side effects. They say that people should be cautious about taking supplements containing akkermansia or any other probiotics whose safety profiles have not been thoroughly studied.
One study in mice found that high levels of akkermansia made the animals more vulnerable to some pathogens. Other researchers have found that people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis have a higher abundance of akkermansia in their intestines, though it’s not clear why or whether the bacteria plays any role in the development of these disorders.
