September/October 2026 Vol 32.5Akkermansia muciniphila 001 (AKK001) Postbiotic and Butyrate (Tributyrin) Impact on Body Morphology Measures and Metabolic Indicators in an Overweight Population: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Gene Bruno DBM, MS, RH(AHG), Chen Dan BS, Fangzhi Lin MS, Zhiqiang Zhang BS
Abstract:
Background: Globally, overweight and obesity are a rising health challenge, with their globalcosts predicted to reach $3 trillion per year by 2030 and increase further. Interestingly, studies have reported that pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) can promote weight loss and improve metabolic parameters.
Primary Study Objective: To investigate the impact of pasteurized AKK001 and tributyrin supplementation on overweight individuals.
Methods/Design: Retrospective analysis of data derived from a 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical intervention.
Setting: The study site was Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Bangzhou, China, from April to September 2025.
Participants: Sixty overweight or obese (BMI=28kg/m2) but otherwise healthy participants; intervention group (N=30; 16 males, 14 females; age: 35.2 ± 5.8 years), control group (N=30; 15 males, 15 females; age: 34.8 ± 6.1 years).
Intervention: Random assignment to placebo group or intervention group, with the latter consuming one capsule daily containing 1.5 x 1010 TFU pasteurized AKK001 postbiotic (AKK001) and 150 mg of butyrate as tributyrin.
Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes: Differences in body morphology (weight, body fat percentage, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, basal metabolic rate, and ultrasound subabdominal/subcutaneous/visceral fat thickness). Secondary outcomes: metabolic indicators (fasting blood glucose, four kinds of blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein, and insulin level). Tertiary outcomes: liver and kidney function and thyroid function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum creatinine), and thyroid function indicators (thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine).
Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared to the control group after 1 and 3 months in primary (P < .001-.05 and <.001, respectively) and secondary outcomes (P < .001-.011 and <.001, respectively). Tertiary outcomes were not significantly different compared to the control group after 1 or 3 months.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that the pasteurized AKK001/ tributyrin combination may be a viable strategy for weight management. (Altern Ther Health Med. [E-pub ahead of print.])
Keywords: Obesity, pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila postbiotic, tributyrin, body fat percentage, abdominal subcutaneous fat, total cholesterol Open Access: Yes Click here for full text
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