The Importance of Chewable Akkermansia in the Menopausal Process

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life. It occurs around 45-55 years of age and is defined by the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle. During this period, the function of the ovaries decreases, and the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones significantly drops.

Hormonal changes not only affect the reproductive system but also impact bone health, cardiovascular system, metabolism, and emotional balance. With menopause, many women may experience the following:

• Vasomotor symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances.
• Psychological changes: Mood swings, anxiety, depressive tendencies.
• Metabolic effects: Weight gain, insulin resistance, changes in fat distribution.
• Musculoskeletal issues: Decrease in bone density, risk of osteoporosis.
• Digestive problems: Bloating, gas, constipation, and irregular bowel movements.

An important aspect to add to this picture is intestinal health.

Perimenopause and Premenopause Periods

Menopause is not a sudden transition; there is a preparatory period that lasts for years.

• Premenopause is the period when hormone levels fluctuate while the menstrual cycle continues. Women may experience mild symptoms during this phase.
• Perimenopause is the years approaching menopause when estrogen levels decrease more noticeably. In this period, menstrual irregularities, complaints related to hormonal fluctuations, and changes in intestinal health are more common.

During these stages, the decrease in estrogen directly affects the intestinal microbiota.

Menopause and Intestinal Microbiota

The intestinal microbiota is a complex ecosystem consisting of trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive system. This ecosystem not only plays a role in breaking down foods but also influences the immune system, neurological functions, hormone metabolism, and energy balance.

Studies show that there is a decrease in microbiota diversity during menopause. As a result:

• The number of beneficial bacteria decreases while harmful species may increase.
• Intestinal permeability increases, leading to the "leaky gut" syndrome.
• Chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) may develop.
• Weight control becomes more challenging, and the risk of metabolic syndrome increases.

Therefore, these changes in the intestinal ecosystem during menopause could be a significant factor behind the experienced symptoms and metabolic disorders.

Akkermansia muciniphila: The Silent Guardian of the Intestines

Among the thousands of bacteria in the microbiota, Akkermansia muciniphila holds a special position. This bacterium living in the intestinal mucus layer contributes to maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and supporting overall intestinal health.

So, why is it so important?

• Strengthens the intestinal barrier: Prevents pathogens from entering the bloodstream by regulating the mucus layer.
• Balances the immune system: Suppresses unnecessary inflammation, making the immune response more controlled.
• Supports metabolic health: Increases insulin sensitivity, plays a protective role against obesity.
• Assists in weight control: Animal studies have shown that supplementation with Akkermansia limits weight gain.

With the decrease in estrogen during menopause, Akkermansia levels may also decrease. This can exacerbate metabolic disturbances and inflammation.

Chewable Akkermansia: A New Era

For many years, it was challenging to use Akkermansia muciniphila as a supplement because this bacterium is highly sensitive to oxygen. However, with the special production and formulation technologies developed today, chewable supplement forms have emerged.

This new form not only offers ease of use but also ensures that the bacterium remains stable and functional from oral microbiota to the intestines. This is particularly important during menopause because the decrease in estrogen weakens intestinal barrier integrity, increases the tendency for inflammation, and disrupts metabolic balance.

Chewable Akkermansia supplements can provide the following benefits:

• Strengthening the intestinal barrier: By supporting the integrity of the mucus layer, it can reduce the risk of increased intestinal permeability after menopause.
• Balancing metabolic health: By increasing insulin sensitivity, it may play a protective role against the common insulin resistance seen in menopause.
• Reducing inflammation: By suppressing chronic low-grade inflammation, it can alleviate the systemic inflammation burden in menopause.

Therefore, chewable forms are not only a practical supplement option but also stand out as an innovative approach to address the metabolic and microbial imbalances brought by menopause.

Why Is It Important?

Menopause is not just a decrease in hormones; it is a search for a new balance for the entire body. In achieving this balance, the intestinal microbiota and especially Akkermansia muciniphila can play a key role.

In short, protecting our intestines during menopause means protecting our immunity, metabolism, and quality of life.

While some changes during menopause are inevitable, focusing on the intestinal microbiota offers a new perspective to go through this period in a healthier and more balanced way.

San Francisco, California, USA
Ali R. AKIN