AH39: A Clinically Studied Akkermansia Strain at the Center of Metabolic Research

Over the past decade, Akkermansia muciniphila has become one of the most discussed microorganisms in metabolism and gut barrier research. Its presence has been repeatedly associated with healthier metabolic profiles, improved fat distribution, and more resilient intestinal mucosal function. Studies published in Nature, Cell Metabolism, and Nature Medicine consistently show that individuals with a higher abundance of this bacterium often exhibit better metabolic flexibility and lower visceral fat. This pattern has led to Akkermansia being informally referred to as a “lean microbiome marker.”

However, most existing findings are derived from animal studies, cellular experiments, or observational human data. Only a few specific strains have progressed into controlled human clinical intervention trials. Among them, the AH39 strain stands out as one of the very few Akkermansia strains that has been evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study.

A study published in Clinical Nutrition investigated the effects of pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila AH39 in adults with overweight. Over an eight-week period, participants consumed a daily serving of yogurt containing 10¹⁰ CFU of pasteurized AH39 or a visually identical control product.

Results showed two notable outcomes:

Although these results do not constitute a therapeutic claim, they provide rare and meaningful clinical evidence for a specific Akkermansia strain—supporting its potential involvement in metabolic regulation.

When combined with decades of preclinical research and multiple observational studies, these findings position AH39 as a valuable model for understanding how Akkermansia may contribute to metabolic health.

Existing research suggests several pathways through which Akkermansia muciniphila may participate in metabolic balance. While mechanisms continue to be refined, evidence from preclinical and early clinical studies highlights several possibilities:

1. Supporting Gut Barrier Integrity

Akkermansia resides in the intestinal mucus layer and utilizes mucin as its energy source. This unique interaction supports mucin turnover and helps maintain a stable mucosal barrier—an essential element of healthy nutrient signaling and immune regulation.

2. Modulating Energy and Fat Metabolism

Higher Akkermansia abundance has been associated with more favorable fat distribution, improved glucose handling, and reduced metabolic inflammation in both animal and human studies. These correlations suggest that Akkermansia may contribute to improved metabolic efficiency.

3. Influencing Satiety-Related Signals

Studies indicate that Akkermansia abundance may be linked to gut-derived signals such as GLP-1, a hormone associated with appetite regulation and metabolic rhythm.

4. Shaping a Lower-Inflammation Environment

A more resilient mucosal barrier may help reduce metabolic endotoxemia, supporting healthier inflammatory responses that are closely tied to energy balance.

AH39's clinical outcomes are consistent with these proposed pathways, further supporting its relevance for metabolic-related research.

Slim+ was formulated around the principle that metabolic support should begin with scientifically grounded ingredients rather than stimulants or short-term approaches. For this reason, Slim+ includes 10 billion CFU of pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila AH39, the same form used in the published clinical trial.

Pasteurization enhances stability while preserving key structural components that interact with the gut mucosal layer—making AH39 more suitable for daily supplementation and long-term product integrity.

To provide a more comprehensive metabolic support system, Slim+ combines AH39 with additional clinically studied ingredients:

Together, these ingredients create a multi-pathway approach addressing appetite signals, carbohydrate handling, digestive rhythm, and metabolic balance.

Slim+ is vegan, hormone-free, and designed to support a healthier metabolic environment through consistent daily use.

Akkermansia muciniphila has emerged as a central focus in metabolic research, with higher abundance repeatedly linked to healthier weight patterns, improved metabolic markers, and stronger gut barrier function. AH39 is one of the few Akkermansia strains that has been clinically evaluated in humans, demonstrating potential benefits for waist circumference and liver-related metabolic indicators.

Slim+ incorporates this clinically studied AH39 strain—along with complementary ingredients that target carbohydrate absorption, digestive rhythm, satiety, and fat metabolism—to provide a holistic, stimulant-free approach to metabolic support.

1. Depommier, C., et al. (2019). Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers: a proof-of-concept exploratory study. Nature Medicine, 25, 1096–1103.

2. Nakamura, Y., et al. (2023). Effects of yogurt fortified with pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila strain AH39 on metabolic parameters: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition.

3. Everard, A., et al. (2013). Cross-talk between Akkermansia muciniphila and intestinal epithelium controls diet-induced obesity. Nature Medicine, 19, 579–583.

4. Dao, M. C., et al. (2016). Akkermansia muciniphila and improved metabolic health during caloric restriction in obesity. Gut, 65(3), 426–436.

5. Belzer, C., & de Vos, W. M. (2012). Microbial metabolic networks at the mucosal-luminal interface. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 10, 831–844.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Results vary by individual.

The information on this website is for general educational purposes and not a substitute for medical advice.