Akkermansia Side Effects: The Truth About Risks & Safety

Image taken from Fellows & Varga-Weisz (2019). Chromatin dynamics and histone modifications in the intestinal microbiota-host crosstalk.

Overview of Pros and Cons

Akkermansia muciniphila’s ability to break down mucin is a double-edged sword—it can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the context and balance within the gut.

Pros of Akkermansia’s mucin degradation (Tingler et al., 2025):

• Helps beneficial gut bacteria find their place and grow
• Supports the gut in driving out harmful microbes
• May promote intestinal stem cells and increase gut regeneration
• Affects tryptophan metabolism and GABA, impacting gut-brain communication 
• Produces metabolites that cross-feed other beneficial gut bacteria, suppress inflammation, and support gut health, gut barrier function, mucus production, hormonal balance, metabolism, and immunity*

*These metabolites include short-chain fatty acids (SHFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs). 

Cons of Akkermansia’s mucin degradation (Tingler et al., 2025):

• May compromise the mucus barrier, degrading the inner protective mucus layer (especially if paired with a low-fiber or high-sugar diet)
• May allow bacteria and toxins to come into direct contact with the gut lining and trigger inflammation
• May influence inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gut infections, colorectal cancer, metabolic diseases, and more
• Produces metabolites that may cross-feed harmful gut microbes and negatively impact the gut

Akkermansia Side Effects, Risks, and Precautions 

General Side Effects and Safety 

Despite promising research, scientific reviews point out that we are lacking in-depth clinical safety assessments of Akkermansia supplementation in large patient populations. This makes it difficult to assess Akkermansia’s benefits and safety profile. Most of the research suggesting various health benefits relies on animal studies. Large-scale clinical trials are needed, alongside monitoring for potential adverse effects in the population (Gao et al., 2025). 

To sum it up, the following are listed as general possible side effects of Akkermansia supplementation on various commercially available products:

• Bloating, gas, or mild gastrointestinal discomfort
• Allergic reactions or intolerance 
• Gut microbiome imbalances 

However, most sources don’t acknowledge the other possible side effects and risks that new studies caution us about (Tingler et al., 2025).

Nonetheless, several companies have developed products with live or pasteurized (postbiotic) Akkermansia strains that received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notice by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Experts say Akkermansia is well-tolerated by most adults

Most doctors consider Akkermansia to be safe when used with some precaution. We asked several MDs for their opinions. 

“Akkermansia supplementation is relatively new and thus far, research suggests Akkermansia supplementation is safe and well tolerated for most healthy adults,” explains Dr. Michael Genovese, MD, a physician based in New York City, and the Chief Medical Advisor at Ascendant New York. 

“Some reported side effects include digestive discomfort, changes in bowel movements, and immune modulation concerns in people with weakened immunity. There is not enough data to determine if Akkermansia is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals,” Dr. Genovese explains. 

“It’s also important to note that most clinical studies are short-term (3 months or less) and the long-term effects are unknown,” he adds. “To minimize side effects, it’s important to start with a low dose and go slow, take with food to buffer digestion, pair with fiber-rich foods, and stay hydrated. The gut microbiome is highly individual, what works for one person may have little effect on another. This comes down to your existing microbiome, health goals, and tolerance.”

Akkermansia has its limitations

J. Ryan Smolarz, MD, MBA shared his multi-niche expertise with us, drawing from the fact that Akkermansia muciniphila has become a topic of trendy health discussions due to its role in supporting weight loss and metabolic health. “This bacterium strengthens the intestinal barrier and produces short-chain fatty acids. That said, supplements have their limits also,” he points out. 

“Supplements like Akkermansia can even cause mild digestive discomfort, especially while starting out. In fact, certain groups may not benefit from it, and could even feel worse. People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), recent infections, or those recovering from antibiotics may experience aggravated symptoms,” Dr. Smolarz explains. 

“Akkermansia doesn’t work the same for everyone, since gut microbiomes vary widely depending upon genetics, diet, lifestyle, and health history. Research also suggests that every individual responds very differently to the same probiotic or postbiotic interventions,” he concludes. 

With this in mind, we’ll dig deep into the existing research, including the implications for people with IBD. Our goal is to understand the possible side effects and limitations of Akkermansia supplementation that others aren’t talking about, while acknowledging the need for personalization. 

Akkermansia + Low Fiber May Thin the Gut’s Mucus Barrier

According to several research studies, Akkermansia muciniphila may help restore and maintain gut homeostasis. However, an important 2025 review by researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina discusses what can happen when Akkermansia breaks down too much mucus (Tingler et al., 2025).

They found that Akkermansia can cause excessive mucin degradation under the following conditions (Tingler et al., 2025):

• Low dietary fiber intake
• High-sugar diet
• Diets high in heme iron (iron from animal sources)
• Altered gut microbiome 
• Recent antibiotics use 
• Recent cancer treatment (radiation and chemotherapy)

Excessive mucin degradation can compromise and thin the mucus barrier, which can leave intestinal cells exposed and unprotected. This can increase susceptibility to inflammation, infection, and the overgrowth of harmful microbes in the gut (Tingler et al., 2025). 

Image taken from Tingler et al (2025). Breaking down barriers: is intestinal mucus degradation by Akkermansia muciniphila beneficial or harmful?

Several animal studies reveal that a low-fiber diet may increase Akkermansia muciniphila levels, thin the mucus layer, increase the risk of getting a GI infection, and worsen food allergies (Desai et al., 2016; Parish et al., 2023; Wolter et al., 2024). 

However, in animal studies, Akkermansia muciniphila helped reduce the load of harmful gut bacteria when paired with a diet high in fiber. This suggests that diet can play a huge role in modifying the effects of Akkermansia supplementation (Wolter et al., 2024). Human studies would be needed to confirm these findings.

To sum it up, Akkermansia seems more likely to compromise the gut’s mucus barrier and have negative health effects in combination with a diet low in fiber.  

Read Next: Are Your Gut Microbiome Bacteria Healthy or in Dysbiosis?

Akkermansia + High Sugar Diet = Uncertain Benefits vs. Harms

Two other dietary factors were found to increase Akkermansia’s risk of mucus breakdown in animal studies: high sugar and high heme iron. 

Of course, it’s best to reduce your sugar intake and focus on a healthy and balanced diet. But for people who may not be fully ready for this, is Akkermansia supplementation going to help or cause more damage? 

In one study, mice given glucose or fructose in drinking water had higher Akkermansia muciniphila levels, a thinner mucus barrier, and an increased risk of colon inflammation (colitis) (Khan et al., 2020). 

According to some scientists, the increased levels of Akkermansia triggered by a high-sugar diet may be the gut’s way of stimulating the production of new mucus and protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier (Yu et al., 2023). 

This overgrowth of Akkermansia may help offset metabolic dysfunction from high sugar exposure. Still, it’s uncertain if Akkermansia does more good than harm in these situations (Ahn et al., 2020). 

The sugar content of many beverages and foods is high. This is especially so in ultraprocessed foods, which also disrupt the gut microbiome. We need more safety and effectiveness research in humans to better understand whether Akkermansia can be helpful in people eating a typical Western diet high in sugar. 

Akkermansia + High-Heme (Meat) Diet = Uncertain Effects on the Gut’s Mucus Barrier

If you’re on a carnivore or high-meat diet, is taking Akkermansia risky?

Based on what we know, it’s uncertain. The data is conflicting, and it may be best to wait out until more studies are published. 

Some studies have suggested that diets high in red meat and heme iron may cause changes in the gut microbiome that increase the risk of colorectal cancer. This is still a controversial topic that requires more research, and other dietary factors and genetics may play in (Sasso & Latella, 2018; Min et al., 2025). 

Heme is the pigment of red meat. It’s also found in other animal foods like poultry, fish, and seafood. Heme is a part of iron-containing proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin, which carry and store oxygen in the blood and muscles of animals (Kalman et al., 2025). 

Heme iron is better absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plant foods. But a high intake of heme iron foods also comes with certain health risks (Sasso & Latella, 2018). 

There’s been a lot of debate about whether diets high in red meat increase the risk of colorectal cancer and other diseases. Most studies outline that nitrates and nitrites in red meat and cooking practices are to blame for the increased risks, not heme iron itself (Kalman et al., 2025). 

In one study, mice given a heme-enriched diet had an eightfold increase in Akkermansia muciniphila levels compared to mice on a regular diet. These mice also had higher levels of sulfides and leaks in their mucus gut barrier that allowed bacteria to get in (Ijssennagger et al., 2015). 

In another animal study, excessive dietary iron intake caused gut microbiome changes that increased permeability of the gut barrier. This caused bacteria to leak into the gut lining, triggering inflammation. There was also an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, in this study, a high-iron diet depleted Akkermansia in the gut, while Akkermansia supplementation helped protect against the negative effects (Liu et al., 2023). 

The difference between the two studies may be because the first study used heme iron and the second study used microparticles of elemental iron (carbonyl iron). Heme iron was meant to mimic the effects of red meat in the first study, while the second used the form of iron found in supplements and fortified foods only. 

A third human study compared a beef-based diet to a chicken-based diet. They separated people into groups based on BMI (high, middle, low). People with a low BMI had the highest Akkermansia levels. Switching from a beef-based diet to a chicken-based diet slightly reduced Akkermansia in all BMI groups. However, people with low and middle BMI on the beef diet had lower overall Akkermansia levels compared to the controls (Zhao et al., 2022). 

This means that the way different diets can change the gut microbiome may depend on a person’s BMI. A diet high in beef may differently affect your Akkermansia levels depending on your weight. It also means that the way certain nutrients affect your microbiome may depend on their source (animal vs. plant, natural vs. synthetic). 

Plus, Akkermansia is only a small part of your overall microbiome, and it’s not the only mucin-degrading bacterium in your gut. The health of your overall gut microbiome and gut barrier may be more important than focusing just on Akkermansia. 

All in all, it’s still unclear whether Akkermansia is helpful or harmful if used alongside a diet high in red meat. Being cautious with Akkermansia may be the best way to go, especially if you also have an impaired gut barrier (“leaky gut”). You may also want to do a gut microbiome test to see what your current levels are. 

High Gut Akkermansia: Good or Bad?

On the one hand, low Akkermansia muciniphila levels have been linked with obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory states (Tingler et al., 2025). 

On the other hand, higher Akkermansia muciniphila levels have been linked with graft versus host disease (GVHD), antibiotic use, radiation and chemotherapy, the use of certain drugs (including aspirin), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and bladder cancer (Tingler et al., 2025; Chiantera et al., 2023). 

We don’t know why Akkermansia is higher in these conditions. It may have a protective role in some cases, but we also know that it may contribute to disease progression in others. More research is needed to understand this. 

In addition, one study revealed that while Akkermansia muciniphila abundance is lower in severe obesity, its increased levels after bariatric surgery may not have any beneficial effects on metabolic health. The authors say this may be due to the severity of obesity and microbiome disruption in these patients, but it requires more research (Dao et al., 2019). 

Another recent analysis found that the GLP-1 agonist weight loss drug semaglutide increased Akkermansia muciniphila but decreased overall gut microbial diversity. More research is needed to understand this link, especially as GLP-1 drugs become more popular (Gofron et al., 2025). 

Overall, it’s key to note that the presence of Akkermansia is NOT always good (Tingler et al., 2025). 

From what we know, it may be especially risky in certain inflammatory or infectious gut conditions when the gut barrier and its mucus layer are already compromised or vulnerable (Tingler et al., 2025). 

Akkermansia Might Worsen Gut Damage from Infections and After Using Antibiotics

Higher Akkermansia levels in the gut have been shown to worsen GI infections and trigger gut damage after using antibiotics, based on animal studies (Tingler et al., 2025). 

In one study, giving live Akkermansia to mice after antibiotics decreased gut mucin, thinned the mucus layer, and damaged the gut lining. These markers of poor gut health are also thought to contribute to the development of colon inflammation and colorectal cancer. Scientists think that giving Akkermansia to people after antibiotics causes an imbalance between mucin secretion and breakdown, triggering gut damage (Qu et al., 2023). 

In another study, giving Akkermansia muciniphila to mice infected with Salmonella worsened the Salmonella infection. Akkermansia also worsened gut inflammation and seemed to help Salmonella grow. Shockingly, Akkermansia-supplemented mice had 94% Salmonella in their gut, compared to only 2.2% gut Salmonella in the unsupplemented group (Ganesh et al., 2013). 

Since these studies were done in mice, we can’t be sure how their findings may apply to humans. Still, they’re a reason for caution. 

Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning. People should be aware that reaching for Akkermansia supplementation in cases of Salmonella food poisoning may worsen symptoms and hinder recovery. Many people are also prescribed antibiotics, and taking Akkermansia after may do more harm than good. 

Akkermansia is Unlikely to Help People with Baseline High Levels 

While Akkermansia is among the most popular supplements for weight loss, most people don’t know that it’s unlikely to have any effect in those with baseline high levels of this bacterium. 

In one 12-week clinical trial, 58 participants with type 2 diabetes who were overweight or obese received either a placebo or live Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK-WST01, not the postbiotic form). Everyone also got lifestyle guidance. All patients experienced weight loss and HbA1c improvements, but there was no difference between the placebo and Akkermansia group (Zhang et al., 2025). 

When researchers stratified the group based on their baseline Akkermansia levels, they found the following (Zhang et al., 2025):

• In people with low baseline Akkermansia, Akkermansia supplementation efficiently colonized the gut and reduced body weight, fat mass, and HbA1c more than the placebo
• In people with high baseline Akkermansia, Akkermansia supplementation poorly colonized the gut and didn’t improve blood or weight markers

The researchers confirmed these findings in a mouse study. 

Therefore, whether Akkermansia will work for you may depend on your baseline Akkermansia levels. If your levels are already high, it’s unlikely to help. 

Ideally, anyone looking to supplement with Akkermansia for metabolic health and weight loss should test their gut microbiome to see what their current Akkermansia levels are.

Although microbiome tests can be expensive, they can help personalize probiotic supplementation so that you can take products that may actually work for you… And avoid wasting money and time on supplements that won’t work. 

Caution in People with Certain Conditions 

IBD

Akkermansia supplementation should be carefully evaluated in people with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). People with IBD already have a compromised gut barrier, and a mucin-degrader like Akkermansia may not be the best choice (Chiantera et al., 2023). 

In mice with IBD, Akkermansia supplementation triggered colon inflammation (colitis). Long-term colon inflammation may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in people with IBD (Seregin et al., 2017).

However, other mouse studies suggest that Akkermansia may reduce colon inflammation and help with IBD (Bian et al., 2019). 

Since Akkermansia may worsen existing gut infections and intestinal inflammation when the gut barrier is already compromised, caution is recommended in people with IBD (Chiantera et al., 2023). Clinical studies are needed to test the effects of Akkermansia in IBD patients. 

Gynecological Conditions that Increase the Risk of IBD

Women suffering from endocrine and gynecological disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis are at an increased risk of IBD. Women with endometriosis may be 80% more likely to develop IBD compared with women without endometriosis (Chiantera et al., 2023).   

Akkermansia may seem like a good choice to support glucose and lipid metabolism in these conditions, but many women with PCOS and endometriosis also experience chronic intestinal inflammation. In turn, they may have a weakened gut barrier and an increased risk of IBD (Chiantera et al., 2023)

Since Akkermansia may further compromise the gut barrier and worsen gut inflammation, the pros and cons of supplementation should be carefully considered. Akkermansia may not be the best choice if the gut barrier is already weakened (Chiantera et al., 2023). 

Other targeted probiotic supplements like Lactobacillus rhamnosus BPL005 for endometriosis or certain multi-strain Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria probiotics for PCOS may be a better choice (Chenoll et al., 2019; Calcaterra et al., 2023). 

IBS

The role of Akkermansia in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also being researched, but the data are limited. 

In one open-label study, a fecal microbiota transfer from a healthy donor to 13 IBS patients increased Akkermansia and reduced abdominal pain. However, there are so many factors at play with fecal microbiota transfers. It’s hard to know how much Akkermansia specifically contributed (Cruz-Aguliar et al., 2019; Gao et al., 2025). 

Some animal studies also suggest that Akkermansia might be helpful in IBS, possibly by acting on the gut-brain axis (Meynier et al., 2024). 

Actual clinical studies are needed to test the benefits and risks of Akkermansia supplementation in patients with IBS. Since IBS is a functional disorder and many people may still have a healthy gut lining, Akkermansia supplementation seems less risky than in IBD. 

Read Next: Best Probiotics for Bloating & Gas: What Works?

Neurological Conditions 

People with certain neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, have increased Akkermansia abundance in their gut. Scientists are still not sure if Akkermansia causes disease worsening or whether it has a protective role. The data are mixed. 

Based on experiments in animal studies, transplanting the fecal microbiota of mice with multiple sclerosis to healthy mice worsened disease progression. Some researchers think that Akkermansia may affect glucose and cholesterol pathways in the body, which might have unwanted effects on the brain (Cekanaviciute et al., 2017). 

However, another mouse study suggests that Akkermansia may be beneficial. In the study, an experimental MicroRNA treatment given to mice with multiple sclerosis increased gut Akkermansia abundance, which then helped reduce brain inflammation (Liu et al., 2019).

In another study in patients with multiple sclerosis, Akkermansia was linked to lower disability, suggesting a beneficial role. The authors consider that increased Akkermansia may have a compensatory and protective effect (Cox et al., 2021). 

Another large-scale analysis of human samples found that while patients with multiple sclerosis have higher Akkermansia, this bacterium may actually play a strong protective role. Higher levels of Akkermansia are thought to help balance the immune system and promote recovery. Meanwhile, the bacterium Ruminococcus torques was found to contribute to multiple sclerosis. More studies would need to confirm these findings, though (Zancan et al., 2024). 

Until human data come out, it may be best to be cautious with Akkermansia supplementation in people with neurological conditions, unless prescribed by a doctor.  

Read Next: Nature's Apothecary: Foods & Supplements for Brain Health

The Bottom Line: Is Akkermansia Safe?

Studies suggest that too much gut Akkermansia can thin the gut mucus layer, trigger inflammation, damage the gut lining, and affect gut-brain communication. This may be problematic when paired with a low-fiber or high-sugar diet, after antibiotics, if dealing with a gut infection, and in people with IBD or those at risk. However, Akkermansia may also have a protective role. Its effects on people with neurological conditions are unclear. 

We know that Akkermansia behaves differently in different environments. Since studies report conflicting effects, we need more research to determine when Akkermansia is helpful and when it may be harmful—and in what form (live vs. postbiotic). 

Until more data come out, it’s best to use Akkermansia only as recommended. Supplementation should be limited to generally healthy people. 

Akkermansia is a supplement, not a drug. It should not be used to treat, cure, or prevent any disease but rather to support gut and metabolic health. 

In people with chronic health conditions or on medications, Akkermansia should only be used after consulting a doctor. It would be best to work with a doctor knowledgeable about the gut microbiome with experience interpreting gut microbiome tests, so that probiotic supplementation can be tailored to your results and overall health.  

Akkermansia Safety FAQs

Does Akkermansia cause weight gain?

No, Akkermansia is probably not going to cause weight gain. However, it may not support weight loss either if your baseline Akkermansia levels are already high (Zhang et al., 2025). 

Is Akkermansia good for the liver?

Some animal studies suggest that Akkermansia may improve liver metabolism and potentially help with fatty liver (Liu et al., 2025). Researchers think it may help by supporting intestinal barrier integrity, improving energy metabolism, and regulating inflammation. However, clinical studies are still lacking to support its use for liver health. 

What are Akkermansia's side effects?

Aside from typical side effects like bloating, gas, mild digestive discomfort, intolerance, and allergies, Akkermansia may also excessively thin the gut’s mucus layer in people on a low-fiber or high-sugar diet. This may worsen gut inflammation, especially in people with an already compromised gut barrier (Tingler et al., 2025). More clinical trials are needed to assess its side effects. 

Can Akkermansia cause inflammation?

Some studies suggest that Akkermansia may worsen gut inflammation in people with a compromised gut barrier, especially when paired with a diet low in fiber. Akkermansia may also worsen gut inflammation in people with an active gut infection or after using antibiotics  (Tingler et al., 2025). 

Can Akkermansia cause anxiety?

There is no data to suggest that Akkermansia can cause anxiety. Animal studies even suggest that Akkermansia has the potential to help reduce anxiety, but human studies haven’t confirmed this (Maftoon et al., 2024). 

However, the effects of Akkermansia seem to be highly dependent on a person’s microbiome and diet. Also, everyone responds differently to different supplements. Therefore, it’s still theoretically possible that Akkermansia may cause anxiety in some people.  

Can Akkermansia cause nausea?

Yes, Akkermansia may cause nausea in some people. This is listed as a possible side effect on most commercial formulations. 

Does Akkermansia make you gassy?

Akkermansia may cause occasional gas and mild digestive upset. This is also listed as a possible side effect on most commercial formulations. 

Can Akkermansia raise blood pressure?

The effects of Akkermansia on blood pressure are still unclear. Several studies suggest that Akkermansia may help lower blood pressure. However, a couple of other studies show that Akkermansia may increase blood pressure, especially in people with a higher inflammatory response. More research is needed (Lakshmanan et al., 2022). 

What happens if you have too much Akkermansia?

If you have too much Akkermansia, this bacterium may excessively colonize your gut. This is especially the case with live Akkermansia supplements. Too much Akkermansia can increase the chance of experiencing side effects. Akkermansia overgrowth in the gut can excessively thin your gut’s mucus layer and trigger inflammation, especially if your diet is low in fiber. 

If you took a larger dose than intended just once, though, you’re unlikely to experience significant side effects. Side effects are more likely when you’ve been taking too much Akkermansia for a longer period of time and if you have underlying gut issues. 

If you took more Akkermansia than intended, it may be best to skip Akkermansia the next day and then continue with the recommended dosage. 

If you experienced side effects from taking too much Akkermansia, it’s advisable to stop taking it and talk to your healthcare provider. 

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