A recent study published in the journal Nature Treatment analyzed the effect of pasteurized (non-living) intestinal microbes Akkermansia muciniphila MucT in long-term weight regulation in overweight and obese adults. The research was carried out with 90 participants in the Netherlands.
The participants followed a low-energy diet for eight weeks, with the goal of reducing 8% of their body weight.
This was followed by a 24-week maintenance phase in which the researchers explained in a statement that the volunteers were randomly divided into a group that was treated with the microbe or a placebo.
Significant results
The results showed that those who took Akkermansia They regained an average of 2.6 pounds, compared to 7.1 pounds in the placebo group, indicating a statistically significant difference.
The researchers noted that the effectiveness of the treatment may depend on each person’s existing gut microbiome. Additionally, the short duration of the study and the lack of a standardized dietary regimen represent limitations to consider.
Although the results are promising, experts such as Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss doctor who practices in New York and New Jersey, interviewed by Fox Recordsdata Digitalthey warn that Akkermansia It is not a “miracle pill” and should be considered as support for weight maintenance, not initial loss.
Balazs, who was not involved in the study, admits that most probiotics have shown much lower efficacy, “which makes these results especially notable.”
Expert opinions
Balazs explains that pasteurized Akkermansia is not a live probiotic, but rather acts through “components of the micro organism, specifically a protein called Amuc_1100.”
He highlighted that the protein Amuc_1100 of Akkermansia may help strengthen the intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation, thereby supporting healthy metabolic functions.
“It helps maintain weight, not reverse initial loss,” he clarifies. “Its long-term use is plausible; however, its effectiveness beyond 24 weeks has not been demonstrated. This is not a substitute for diet, exercise or medical advice,” he stressed.
Factors influencing the effectiveness of Akkermansia
The effectiveness of Akkermansia muciniphila For general weight does not depend only on the presence of the micro organism, but on several key factors that modulate its action:
Diet and specific nutrients
- Fiber rich in polyphenols: a diet rich in fiber, especially foods with polyphenols (such as pomegranate extract, resveratrol), significantly increases its concentration.
- Specific foods: he prickly pearthe chia seeds and the soy protein have been shown to increase their percentage in the microbiota.
- FODMAPs: The diet high in oligo, di, monosaccharides and fermentable polyols (FODMAP) favors its growth.
- Other supplements: the polydextrose, EpiCor and the sodium butyrate They also increase their levels.
Calorie restriction
- The calorie restrictive diet increases the concentration of A. muciniphila and enhances its beneficial effects.
- People with high levels of the micro organism before a low-calorie diet experienced better improvement in blood sugar, insulin and body fat distribution.
Form of the micro organism (live vs. pasteurized)
- Studies show that the pasteurized version (deactivated by gentle heat) is more effective that the micro organism lives to reduce insulin resistance, cholesterol and fat storage.
- The components of the bacterial cell wall could be responsible for these metabolic benefits.
Composition of the intestinal microbiota
- The micro organism contributes to the expansion of other beneficial bacteriaand its effect is greater when there is a diverse microbiota.
- People with a lot A. muciniphila along with other types of bacteria They had the lowest blood sugar and fat levels.
General lifestyle
- Typical exercise, plant based diet and adequate sleep They support a thriving and diverse microbiota, boosting the effects of the micro organism.
- a single microbe cannot compensate for an unhealthy lifestyle.
Initial metabolic state
- The presence of A. muciniphila this inversely related to obesity, type 2 diabetes and inflammation.
- Its effects are more evident in people with overweight, obesity or metabolic syndrome.
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