How to Choose an Akkermansia Supplement: A UK Buyer's Guide
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Akkermansia supplements have exploded in popularity, and the labels can be confusing. AFU or CFU? Pasteurised or live? Why do some have extra ingredients? This guide explains what to look for so you can compare products with confidence.
1. Check it's Akkermansia muciniphila
The species you're looking for is Akkermansia muciniphila. It's a bacterium that lives naturally in the mucus layer of the human gut and has become one of the most studied gut bacteria since it was first described in 2004. A good label names the species clearly and states how much is in each capsule. New to it? Start with our guide, What Is Akkermansia?
2. Look at the strength: AFU or CFU
Akkermansia strength is shown in one of two units:
- AFU (active fluorescent units): a way of counting bacterial cells, used for pasteurised Akkermansia.
- CFU (colony forming units): counts cells that can still grow, used for live products.
Compare like with like, and check whether the figure is per capsule or per daily dose. Some products need two or three capsules a day to reach the number on the front of the pack.
3. Pasteurised or live?
Akkermansia is sensitive to oxygen, so live products need careful handling and storage. Pasteurised Akkermansia has been gently heat-treated, which makes it more stable on the shelf. In 2022, pasteurised Akkermansia muciniphila was authorised as a novel food ingredient in the EU. We cover the difference in more detail in Pasteurised vs Live Akkermansia.
4. See what else is in the capsule
Many Akkermansia supplements add supporting ingredients. Common ones include:
- Inulin: a prebiotic fibre, often from chicory root. See inulin and Akkermansia.
- Green tea extract: rich in polyphenols. See green tea and Akkermansia.
- Other bacteria strains or fibres, depending on the brand.
Look for amounts per capsule. A long ingredients list with no quantities tells you very little.
5. Work out the dose and cost per day
Price per tub can be misleading. Divide the price by the number of days a tub lasts to get a true cost per day. A cheaper tub that needs two capsules a day can work out more expensive than it looks.
6. Check the capsule and allergens
If you're vegetarian or vegan, check the capsule shell, since some use gelatine. Read the allergen information and the list of other ingredients, such as fillers and anti-caking agents.
7. Know who makes it
A food supplement sold in the UK should have a clear label with directions, a recommended daily dose, a warning not to exceed it, and the name and address of the business responsible. Brands that make their own products can tell you exactly what goes into each capsule.
Quick checklist
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Species | Akkermansia muciniphila named on the label |
| Strength | AFU or CFU stated per capsule or per daily dose |
| Form | Pasteurised or live, clearly stated |
| Other ingredients | Amounts listed for each one |
| Daily dose | How many capsules a day, and how long a tub lasts |
| Cost | Price per day, not just per tub |
| Capsule | Vegetarian if that matters to you |
NTRL Akkermansia at a glance
| Akkermansia muciniphila | 2.5 billion AFU per capsule |
| Chicory root inulin | 150mg per capsule |
| L-glutamine and green tea extract (60% polyphenols) | 145mg per capsule |
| Daily dose | 1 capsule a day |
| Tub size | 60 vegetarian capsules (two months) |
| Price | £54.99 (about 92p a day), or £49.49 on subscribe and save (about 82p a day) |
| Made | In our own UK facility |
Shop NTRL Akkermansia or save 10% when you pair it with Inulin, Gut Health or Water Loss in a bundle.
Frequently asked questions
How much Akkermansia should I take?
Follow the directions on the product you choose. NTRL Akkermansia is one capsule a day, providing 2.5 billion AFU. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
When is the best time to take Akkermansia?
Most people take it once a day before food with water. The most important thing is taking it at the same time each day. See how to take NTRL Akkermansia.
Is Akkermansia a probiotic?
Live Akkermansia is often grouped with probiotics. Pasteurised Akkermansia has been heat-treated, so the cells are inactivated, and you'll sometimes see it described as a postbiotic.
Can I take Akkermansia with other supplements?
Many people take it alongside a prebiotic fibre or a multi-strain probiotic such as Gold Standard Probiotics. If you take medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Is NTRL Akkermansia suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. It comes in vegetarian capsules.
What should I expect when I start?
Most people notice nothing unusual. Some notice mild digestive changes in the first week or two. Read starting a new supplement routine.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, speak to your doctor before taking supplements.