Tag: Next generation probiotics

Research has revealed that healthy human guts contain an abundance of *Akkermansia muciniphila*, accounting for 1–4% of the total microbial community. As a potential "next-generation" microbe, the question, "is akkermansia a probiotic?" is complex and depends on a modern understanding of gut science.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are crucial for producing vinegar and the kombucha mother, yet their probiotic status is a subject of debate. The scientific community recognizes their health benefits but differentiates them from traditional probiotics that colonize the gut.

While once notoriously difficult to cultivate in a lab, several innovative companies now offer specific probiotic supplements that directly contain *Akkermansia muciniphila*. This advanced probiotic is now available in both live and pasteurized forms, providing a direct route to boosting levels of this beneficial gut microbe.

According to a review in *Microbial Cell Factories*, advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology have enabled the creation of genetically modified (GMO) probiotics with enhanced therapeutic potential. This technology fundamentally alters or adds new genetic material to microorganisms to achieve specific, targeted health benefits beyond those of conventional probiotics.

Recent research shows that Akkermansia muciniphila levels can decrease by up to 90% with age and other lifestyle factors. This unique bacterium is considered a 'next-generation probiotic' because of its pivotal role in maintaining gut health and metabolism. By feeding on the mucus layer that lines the intestine, Akkermansia helps reinforce the gut barrier and influences overall wellness.

An estimated 5-15% of the total bacteria in a healthy adult's intestine is composed of *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii*, a key species linked to gut health. However, unlike typical over-the-counter supplements containing *Lactobacillus* or *Bifidobacterium*, this species is rarely found in commercial products. This raises a critical question: is *Faecalibacterium* a probiotic, and if so, how can its benefits be accessed?

Studies show a high heritability of the *Christensenellaceae* family, which includes the emerging strain *Christensenella minuta*, and a strong correlation between its presence and a lean body type. This groundbreaking research has led many to ask if there is a probiotic with Christensenella available on the market.

The global probiotics market, valued at approximately $87.70 billion in 2023, is experiencing a robust shift, moving beyond traditional digestive health applications to encompass a wider range of targeted benefits for overall wellness. This evolving landscape defines the modern trend in probiotics.