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Akkermansia is a genus of beneficial gut bacteria, with Akkermansia muciniphila being the most studied species. It lives in the mucus layer of the intestines and helps maintain gut barrier integrity, regulate inflammation, and support metabolic health.
In nutritional psychology, Akkermansia is of interest because gut health influences mood, cognition, and behavior through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Higher levels of A. muciniphila are associated with reduced gut permeability, lower inflammation, and potentially improved emotional regulation—mechanisms relevant to the diet–mental health relationship.
Author and reviewer
Editorial responsibilityReferences and further reading
- Scaldaferri F, et al. Akkermansia muciniphila: key player in metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2019. PMID: 31599433. DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201909_19024. View source
- Ansari S, et al. The metabolic, protective, and immune functions of Akkermansia muciniphila. Microorganisms. 2022. PMID: 36347103. View source
How to cite this entry
CNP (2026). Akkermansia. In CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.
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