From laboratory to industrial application: an comprehensive evaluation of antihyperglycemic function and consumption safety of Akkermansia muciniphila

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a globally prevalent metabolic disorder, with its pathogenesis closely linked to specific gut microbiota. Among these, Akkermansia muciniphila has attracted considerable attention due to its negative correlation with disease severity. Emerging evidence suggests that targeted supplementation with A. muciniphila can effectively mitigate insulin secretion deficiency and insulin resistance, highlighting its potential as a “next-generation probiotic” in metabolic disease management. Despite its promising therapeutic applications, concerns regarding its safety as an edible microbial strain remain, necessitating further investigation. Pasteurization has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the safety profile of A. muciniphila for human consumption while preserving its core antihyperglycemic properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the hypoglycemic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of both live and pasteurized A. muciniphila, with a particular emphasis on the application strategies, potential benefits, and challenges associated with the industrial implementation of pasteurized A. muciniphila. By bridging fundamental research with translational applications, this review aims to offer critical insights and robust scientific evidence to facilitate the commercialization of A. muciniphila and to establish a well-defined trajectory for pasteurized A. muciniphila as a next-generation functional food ingredient for glycemic control.