What Happens if You Have Low Akkermansia?

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Research consistently shows a link between the abundance of the gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila and overall health, with studies demonstrating that low levels are associated with various metabolic and inflammatory diseases. A deficiency in this crucial microbe can compromise the intestinal barrier, trigger systemic inflammation, and negatively impact metabolic function, leading to a cascade of potential health issues.

Quick Summary

Low levels of the gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila can lead to several health complications by impairing the gut barrier, promoting systemic inflammation, and disrupting metabolism, potentially contributing to obesity, insulin resistance, and intestinal issues.

Key Points

Weakened Gut Barrier: Low levels of Akkermansia result in a thinner mucus layer, increasing intestinal permeability, also known as "leaky gut".
Systemic Inflammation: A compromised gut barrier allows bacterial toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the body.
Metabolic Dysregulation: A depleted Akkermansia population is associated with an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
Reduced SCFA Production: Low Akkermansia negatively impacts the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), crucial metabolites for intestinal cell health.
Impaired Immunity: The link between the gut and the immune system means low Akkermansia can compromise immune function and increase susceptibility to illnesses.
Digestive Discomfort: Symptoms like bloating, irregular bowel movements, and general digestive sluggishness are linked to low levels of this beneficial bacterium.

The Critical Role of Akkermansia in Gut Homeostasis

Akkermansia muciniphila is a keystone species in a healthy gut, typically making up 1–3% of the total microbial population. This Gram-negative anaerobe thrives by consuming mucin, the primary protein component of the intestinal mucus layer. Far from simply degrading this protective lining, its activity stimulates goblet cells to produce fresh mucin, thereby maintaining the optimal thickness and integrity of the gut barrier. When Akkermansia levels are low, this vital process is disrupted, setting the stage for significant health problems.

Compromised Gut Barrier and “Leaky Gut”

One of the most immediate consequences of low Akkermansia is the thinning and weakening of the intestinal mucus barrier. This protective layer prevents harmful substances, such as toxins and undigested food particles, from entering the bloodstream. A compromised barrier can lead to increased intestinal permeability, a condition commonly known as "leaky gut". This allows bacterial toxins, particularly lipopolysaccharides (LPS), to translocate from the gut into the circulation, a state known as metabolic endotoxemia. Systemic inflammation triggered by this leakage is a root cause of many chronic diseases.

Metabolic Dysregulation and Inflammatory Conditions

The ripple effect of low Akkermansia extends far beyond the gut. Research has established a strong inverse correlation between Akkermansia abundance and various metabolic disorders. Studies in both mice and humans show that a depleted Akkermansia population is associated with obesity, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Akkermansia also mean that low levels can contribute to widespread, low-grade chronic inflammation. In addition to metabolic issues, this chronic inflammation is linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, where reduced Akkermansia levels are often observed.

Impact on Immunity and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production

Akkermansia is an important partner to other beneficial gut microbes. Its mucin-degrading activity produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), primarily acetate and propionate. These SCFAs, in turn, serve as a food source for butyrate-producing bacteria, which are crucial for colon health and provide energy for intestinal cells. Without sufficient Akkermansia, the overall microbial community becomes imbalanced (dysbiosis), and the production of these essential SCFAs diminishes. This affects not only gut health but also systemic metabolic regulation and immune function. The gut houses a significant portion of the body's immune system, and a disrupted gut environment due to low Akkermansia can lead to impaired immune responses and an increased susceptibility to illness.

Comparison: Effects of Healthy vs. Low Akkermansia Levels


Feature	Healthy Akkermansia Levels	Low Akkermansia Levels
Gut Barrier	Strong and well-maintained mucus layer.	Thin and compromised mucus barrier, leading to leaky gut.
Inflammation	Modulated, anti-inflammatory state; reduced systemic inflammation.	Increased chronic low-grade inflammation throughout the body.
Metabolism	Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance; healthier weight management.	Increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance.
SCFAs	Production of acetate and propionate, which feed other beneficial bacteria.	Decreased production of key SCFAs, impacting colonocyte health and overall gut ecosystem.
Immunity	Balanced immune response; enhanced immune defense.	Compromised immune function and potential for autoimmune issues.
Digestive Comfort	Regular motility and reduced bloating and discomfort.	Irregular bowel movements, bloating, and digestive sluggishness.

How to Support and Increase Akkermansia Naturally

If you have low Akkermansia, you can adopt several dietary and lifestyle strategies to help increase its population. A key approach is to consume a diet rich in prebiotic fibers and polyphenols, which are the primary food sources for these beneficial microbes.

Polyphenol-rich foods: Include berries, green tea, pomegranates, dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa), and grapes. Polyphenols act as fuel for Akkermansia and other beneficial bacteria.
Prebiotic fibers: These non-digestible fibers specifically feed your gut flora. Excellent sources include chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and artichokes.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods rich in omega-3s, such as flaxseeds and fatty fish, promote a gut environment where Akkermansia can thrive.
Fermented foods: While they don't directly contain Akkermansia, foods like yogurt and kefir contribute to a more diverse microbiome, which helps create a favorable environment.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity has been shown to support a healthy gut microbiome and may help boost Akkermansia levels.
Manage stress and sleep: Poor sleep and high stress levels can negatively impact your gut flora. Prioritizing 7-9 hours of sleep and stress-reduction techniques can support overall gut health.
Consider targeted supplements: Some supplements containing heat-treated (pasteurized) Akkermansia muciniphila are available and have shown promise in clinical trials for improving metabolic health markers in some obese individuals. However, their widespread efficacy requires further research.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Gut Health Through Akkermansia

Understanding what happens if you have low Akkermansia is key to appreciating its role as a biomarker for metabolic and inflammatory health. The consequences range from a weakened gut barrier and increased systemic inflammation to metabolic issues like insulin resistance and obesity. Fortunately, by focusing on a diet rich in specific prebiotic fibers and polyphenols and adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to support and nurture this vital microbial community. Addressing low Akkermansia is a proactive step towards reinforcing the body’s first line of defense and supporting long-term metabolic health. Ultimately, a balanced and diverse gut microbiome, with Akkermansia as a key player, forms the foundation for overall well-being. For more in-depth information on the research surrounding Akkermansia and its benefits, explore the comprehensive review published in Gut Pathogens: The influence of Akkermansia muciniphila on intestinal barrier function and its application to inflammatory bowel disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akkermansia muciniphila is a species of beneficial gut bacteria that resides in the mucus lining of the large intestine. It plays a critical role in maintaining the gut barrier's integrity by feeding on mucin and stimulating the production of new mucus.

While there isn't a single definitive test for low Akkermansia, levels can sometimes be assessed through a comprehensive gut microbiome test. Symptoms associated with low levels include digestive issues like bloating and irregular bowel movements, as well as metabolic problems and persistent low-grade inflammation.

To increase Akkermansia naturally, consume foods rich in prebiotics and polyphenols. Good choices include berries, green tea, pomegranates, apples, onions, garlic, and asparagus. These nutrients provide the necessary fuel for Akkermansia to thrive.

Yes, regular physical activity has been shown to support a healthy gut microbiome and can contribute to increased Akkermansia levels. Moderate, consistent exercise is particularly beneficial for promoting microbial diversity.

Chronic stress and poor sleep quality can have a negative impact on the gut microbiome, including reducing the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia. Effective stress management and prioritizing 7-9 hours of sleep are important for gut health.

Both live and pasteurized Akkermansia supplements (postbiotics) are available, with pasteurized versions showing promise in some clinical trials for improving metabolic health. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved pasteurized Akkermansia as a novel food, but further research is needed to determine the overall safety and efficacy of both forms.

When Akkermansia breaks down mucin, it produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and propionate. These, in turn, nourish other beneficial bacteria that produce butyrate, a vital energy source for colon cells. A deficiency in this process can disrupt the entire gut ecosystem.