Akkermansia muciniphila explained: what it is and its source
EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) says it is part of the normal community of microorganisms in the gut, where the living bacterium breaks down intestinal mucin and uses it as a source of carbon and nitrogen. The pasteurized ingredient comes from bacteria grown without oxygen, then pasteurized and freeze-dried. One product we reviewed lists Akkermansia muciniphila, and its label prints 1 billion CFU per serving.
- In the products we reviewed
- 1, its label prints the amount
What akkermansia muciniphila is
- The pasteurized ingredient comes from bacterial cells grown by fermentation without oxygen.1
- Akkermansia muciniphila is part of the normal community of microorganisms in the gut.1
- The living bacterium breaks down intestinal mucin and uses it as a source of carbon and nitrogen.1
- The pasteurized ingredient is made by growing the bacteria without oxygen, then pasteurizing and freeze-drying them.1
- The processed bacterial cells are freeze-dried into a powder.1
- The pasteurized form is intended for use in food supplements and foods for special medical purposes.1
Before you take it
Side effects
- The pasteurized ingredient could cause allergic reactions because it contains protein.1
- The risk of allergic reactions to the pasteurized ingredient is expected to be low for the general population.1
Ask a doctor first
- The safety of pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.2
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. A supplement is not a medicine.
The product we reviewed that lists akkermansia muciniphila
| Product | Form and serving | Akkermansia muciniphila per serving | Our score | Price a bottle | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 VitaliSlim#4 in weight loss support | Capsules1 capsule | Not printedIn a blend | 9.2 | $49 | Check price |
Questions people ask
What is Akkermansia muciniphila?
Akkermansia muciniphila is part of the normal community of microorganisms in the gut, according to EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority). EFSA says the living bacterium breaks down intestinal mucin and uses it as a source of carbon and nitrogen.
Where does Akkermansia muciniphila in supplements come from?
The pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila ingredient comes from bacterial cells grown by fermentation without oxygen. EFSA says the bacteria are then pasteurized and freeze-dried into a powder.
What side effects can an Akkermansia supplement have?
Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila could cause allergic reactions because it contains protein. The risk of allergic reactions is expected to be low for the general population.
Is an Akkermansia muciniphila supplement safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila. Ask a clinician before starting if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Which supplements we reviewed contain Akkermansia muciniphila?
VitaliSlim is the only product we reviewed that lists Akkermansia muciniphila. Its label prints 1 billion CFU per serving, and the serving is 1 capsule.
Sources
The products, amounts and prices come from each product's label and checkout, as its review shows them. AI drafts our pages from listed sources, figures are checked against them, and we have not tried the products.
- 1EFSA Journal (2021), scientific opinion 6780efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doichecked
- 2EFSA Journal (2025), scientific opinion 9632efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doichecked