Akkermansia muciniphila: a novel functional microbe with probiotic properties

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Toxicology

Background:

• Akkermansia muciniphila is recognized for potential probiotic benefits but lacks European Union Qualified Presumption of Safety status.
• Products containing A. muciniphila are subject to Novel Foods Regulation, necessitating thorough safety evaluations.
• Existing information on A. muciniphila's human functions and animal model activity informs its safety profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize published information on the safety aspects of Akkermansia muciniphila.
• To assess the extent to which current data meets European novel food safety assessment criteria.
• To identify critical data gaps, particularly in toxicological studies, for A. muciniphila.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on Akkermansia muciniphila.
• Analysis of functional data in humans and predictive data from animal models.
• Evaluation of existing data against European regulatory requirements for novel foods.

Main Results:

• Many criteria for novel food safety assessment in Europe can be addressed using current Akkermansia muciniphila data.
• Comprehensive studies on A. muciniphila's safety properties are emerging.
• The presence of A. muciniphila in healthy individuals provides context for safety evaluations.

Conclusions:

• Existing data supports some aspects of Akkermansia muciniphila's safety assessment for novel food applications.
• Long-term and reproduction toxicological studies are crucial missing components.
• The Akkermansia muciniphila case serves as a model for evaluating the safety of beneficial gut bacteria for regulatory purposes.