Researchers discovered that a specific gut bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila might help prevent muscle weakness that comes with aging. In studies with mice that age quickly, this bacterium improved muscle strength, increased muscle mass, and reduced inflammation in the body. The bacteria also helped the gut work better and protected it from damage. Scientists even found that substances released by this bacterium could help muscle cells grow and prevent them from shrinking. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before we know if this could become a treatment for age-related muscle loss.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a gut bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila could help prevent sarcopenia (muscle weakness and loss that happens with aging)
  • Who participated: The study used special mice that age much faster than normal mice. These mice were 7 months old (similar to elderly humans) and received the bacteria for 3 months. Researchers also tested the bacteria’s effects on muscle cells grown in the lab.
  • Key finding: Mice that received Akkermansia muciniphila showed stronger grip strength, more muscle mass, less inflammation, and better energy production in their muscle cells compared to mice that didn’t receive it.
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that this gut bacterium might one day help older adults maintain muscle strength and prevent age-related muscle loss. However, this is early-stage research in mice, so we can’t yet say it will work the same way in humans. Talk to your doctor before considering any supplements.

The Research Details

Scientists used special mice that naturally age very quickly to test whether Akkermansia muciniphila could help prevent muscle loss. These mice received the bacterium for 3 months, and researchers measured their muscle strength, muscle size, and other health markers. The team also analyzed how the bacterium changed the mice’s gut bacteria community using genetic testing. Additionally, they grew mouse muscle cells in dishes and treated them with substances released by the bacterium to see if it could help muscle growth and prevent muscle shrinking.

This approach allowed researchers to study the problem at multiple levels: in whole animals, in the gut environment, and in individual muscle cells. By using mice that age quickly, they could see effects in a shorter time period than would be possible with normal mice.

Testing in mice that age rapidly helps scientists understand how aging affects the body and whether treatments might work. The combination of studying whole animals, the gut microbiome, and individual cells helps researchers understand not just whether something works, but how it works. This information is important for eventually developing treatments for humans.

This is laboratory research published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. The study used multiple methods to measure effects (muscle strength tests, genetic analysis, cell studies), which strengthens the findings. However, because this is animal research, results may not directly translate to humans. The specific sample sizes for the mouse groups were not provided in the abstract, which limits our ability to assess statistical power.

What the Results Show

Mice that received Akkermansia muciniphila showed significant improvements in muscle function and structure. Their grip strength increased, meaning their muscles were stronger. They also had more muscle mass, which typically decreases with age. The bacteria appeared to slow down the aging process in muscle cells themselves by reducing cellular senescence (the process where cells stop dividing and start causing problems).

The bacterium also helped balance muscle protein breakdown and building. Muscles are constantly breaking down old proteins and building new ones; when aging disrupts this balance, muscles weaken. The bacteria helped restore this balance. Additionally, the mice had more ATP (the energy currency of cells) and better mitochondrial function, meaning their muscle cells had more energy to work properly.

When researchers looked at the gut, they found that the bacterium improved the overall gut bacteria community, reduced harmful inflammation in the intestines, and strengthened the gut barrier (the protective lining that keeps harmful substances out of the bloodstream). These improvements in gut health appeared to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is important because chronic inflammation contributes to muscle loss with aging.

In laboratory tests with muscle cells, substances released by Akkermansia muciniphila promoted the growth of new muscle cells and prevented muscle cell shrinking caused by dexamethasone (a drug that mimics muscle-wasting conditions). This suggests the bacteria works through multiple mechanisms, not just by reducing inflammation in the gut.

Previous research has shown that Akkermansia muciniphila is associated with better metabolic health and has anti-inflammatory properties. This study extends that knowledge by showing it may specifically help prevent age-related muscle loss. The finding that gut health influences muscle health aligns with growing research showing that the gut microbiome affects many aspects of aging and disease.

This research was conducted in mice, not humans, so we cannot be certain the same effects would occur in people. The mice used age much faster than humans, so the timeline may not apply to human aging. The study did not specify exact sample sizes for each group, making it difficult to assess the statistical strength of the findings. Additionally, this is early-stage research, and more studies are needed to confirm these results and determine safe and effective doses for humans.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, we cannot yet recommend Akkermansia muciniphila supplements for preventing muscle loss in humans. This is preliminary animal research. If you are concerned about age-related muscle loss, focus on proven strategies: regular strength training, adequate protein intake, and a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements. (Confidence level: Low - animal research only)

This research is most relevant to older adults concerned about muscle loss, people with sarcopenia, and researchers studying aging and gut health. It may eventually be relevant to people interested in preventive health strategies for aging. This research should not be used to self-treat or replace medical advice from a doctor.

In the mouse study, benefits appeared over 3 months. If similar treatments were developed for humans, it would likely take months to see noticeable improvements in muscle strength and mass. However, we don’t yet know if this timeline would apply to humans.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track grip strength using a hand dynamometer (available inexpensively) weekly, and record it in the app. Also track weekly resistance training sessions and daily protein intake in grams. These metrics directly relate to the improvements shown in the research.
  • Users could use the app to set reminders for consistent strength training (2-3 times per week) and track protein intake at meals (aiming for 25-30g per meal). They could also log gut health markers like digestion comfort and energy levels, which may relate to microbiome health.
  • Create a dashboard showing trends in grip strength, muscle-building activities, protein consumption, and subjective energy levels over 8-12 weeks. This allows users to see if their efforts to maintain muscle are working, even before this research potentially leads to new treatments.

This research is preliminary animal studies and has not been tested in humans. Do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat muscle loss or any medical condition. Akkermansia muciniphila supplements are not currently approved by the FDA for treating sarcopenia or any other condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. The findings described here may not apply to humans and should not replace evidence-based medical treatment or the advice of your doctor.