The Akkermansia Revolution: How Resistant Potato Starch Supports Metabolic Health in Modere Curb

Modere’s Curb uses Solnul® resistant potato starch to boost Akkermansia muciniphila, a gut microbe linked to better metabolism and appetite control.

Akkermansia muciniphila is a beneficial gut bacterium that supports metabolic health and weight management. Solnul® resistant potato starch, a key ingredient in Modere’s stimulant-free weight loss support supplement, Curb, has been clinically shown to increase Akkermansia levels at doses as low as 3.5 grams per day (the dose in Curb), leading to improved metabolic markers.

In this article, you’ll discover how this fascinating gut microbe helps regulate metabolism, blood sugar, and appetite control. We’ll explore the groundbreaking research behind Solnul® resistant potato starch and how it can naturally boost your Akkermansia levels–without the need for probiotics or live bacteria supplementation.

Whether you’re interested in metabolic health, weight management, or simply understanding the cutting edge of microbiome science, this deep dive into A. muciniphila and resistant starch will help you make informed decisions about your health.

What is Akkermansia Muciniphila?

Akkermansia muciniphila is a remarkable gut bacterium that resides in the protective mucus layer lining your intestines. First discovered in 2004, this microbe plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance between your gut and overall metabolic health.^[1]

What makes A. muciniphila unique is its specialized ability to live in and feed on mucus, particularly the mucin proteins that form your gut’s defensive barrier. This isn’t harmful — in fact, this process helps maintain a healthy gut lining by promoting proper mucus turnover and thickness.^[2] Think of it as your gut’s natural maintenance crew, keeping the protective barrier strong and functioning properly.

However, it doesn’t just maintain the gut lining; it also impacts your overall microbiome. By efficiently occupying its niche in the mucus layer, Akkermansia limits space for other mucin-degrading bacteria, including harmful pathogens like E. coli.^[3] This reduces competition for resources and contributes to a healthier microbiome balance.

In healthy individuals, A. muciniphila typically constitutes about 3-5% of gut bacteria, making it one of the more abundant beneficial microbes in your intestinal tract.^[1,4,5] However, this abundance can vary significantly based on factors like diet, age, and overall metabolic health. Multiple studies have shown that lean, metabolically healthy individuals tend to have higher levels of Akkermansia compared to those struggling with weight or metabolic issues.^[6]

An early-seeded and active gut microbe

Perhaps most intriguingly, Akkermansia isn’t just a passive resident in your gut – it actively communicates with your body’s metabolic and immune systems through compounds it produces. It’s an original gut resident, present as early as 1 month of life, feeding off milk oligosaccharides.^[7]

Additionally, it interacts with regulatory T cells to control inflammation and improves gut health by stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and propionate.^[8] These SCFAs provide energy for intestinal cells and have systemic benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.

This communication helps regulate crucial factors like inflammation, blood sugar control, and the storage of body fat.^[9] This makes it much more than just another gut bacteria — it’s a key player in your body’s metabolic orchestra.

Let’s explore exactly how this remarkable microbe orchestrates these metabolic benefits and why its abundance is so closely linked to better health outcomes.

The Akkermansia-Metabolism Connection

The relationship between Akkermansia muciniphila and metabolic health is fascinating – this tiny microbe appears to be a crucial mediator between our diet, gut health, and metabolic function. Let’s explore the compelling evidence linking this bacterium to metabolic wellness.

• Lower Levels Found in Metabolic Disorders

  Multiple studies have revealed that people with obesity and type 2 diabetes typically have significantly reduced levels of Akkermansia muciniphila compared to metabolically healthy individuals.^[6] This pattern isn’t just coincidental – when researchers restore Akkermansia levels in mice through supplementation, many metabolic parameters improve dramatically.^[10]

  

  Modere CURB introduces Eriomin-powered GlycoLemon for natural appetite suppression and enhanced gut health, setting a new standard in stimulant-free weight loss support!

  What’s particularly interesting is that this relationship appears to be dose-dependent – the more Akkermansia present, the better the metabolic outcomes tend to be. For instance, individuals with higher baseline levels of A. muciniphila show better responses to caloric restriction and tend to maintain healthier blood sugar levels.^[6]

• Key Markers of Metabolic Health

  1. muciniphila’s influence on metabolism is comprehensive, affecting several crucial markers of metabolic health:
  2. Insulin Sensitivity: Higher levels of A. muciniphila correlate with better insulin sensitivity and glucose handling.^[9] This bacterium helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels by improving how your body responds to insulin.
  3. Fat Storage and Distribution: The presence of A. muciniphila appears to influence how your body stores and processes fat. Studies show that higher levels are associated with smaller fat cell size and healthier fat distribution patterns.^[6]
  4. Inflammation Control: One of A. muciniphila’s most important roles is helping to control metabolic inflammation – a key driver of metabolic disorders. It does this by strengthening the gut barrier and producing anti-inflammatory compounds.^[9]
  

  Mechanisms of gut dysbiosis and its connection to chronic low-grade inflammation in aging.

  5. Food Intake & Satiety: Akkermansia supplementation significantly reduces caloric intake in animals.^[11] This may be due to improved satiety signaling and appetite regulation.
  6. Glycemic Response: The bacteriium helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity by up to 28% in overweight/obese individuals.^[12]
  7. Body Composition: Supplementation shows beneficial effects on body fat mass and distribution, particularly in reducing waist circumference.^[12]
  8. Inflammatory Markers: Treatment with Akkermansia reduces key inflammatory markers and improves markers of liver dysfunction.^[12]
  9. Cholesterol Metabolism: Studies demonstrate reductions in total cholesterol by approximately 8.7% compared to placebo groups.^[12]

  It’s also hypothesized that fasting increases Akkermansia in the gut.

• Effects on Gut Barrier Function

  Perhaps A. muciniphila’s most crucial contribution to metabolic health is its role in maintaining the gut barrier. This isn’t just about keeping the gut healthy – it’s about preventing what scientists call “metabolic endotoxemia”, a condition where harmful compounds leak through a compromised gut barrier and trigger inflammation throughout the body.^[3]

  Here’s how A. muciniphila supports gut barrier function:

  

  How Akkermansia muciniphila supports gut health: strengthening the intestinal barrier and regulating inflammation.

  • Mucus Layer Maintenance: While it may seem counterintuitive, A. muciniphila’s consumption of mucus actually stimulates the production of a thicker, healthier mucus layer. This is similar to how pruning a plant promotes stronger growth.^[13]
  • Tight Junction Proteins: A. muciniphila helps maintain the proteins that create tight seals between intestinal cells, preventing unwanted substances from passing through.^[9]
  • Beneficial Compound Production: Through its metabolic activities, A. muciniphila produces short-chain fatty acids and other beneficial compounds that nourish intestinal cells and support barrier function.^[13]

  This improved barrier function has far-reaching effects on metabolism. When the gut barrier is strong, it prevents the leakage of inflammatory compounds into the bloodstream, which would otherwise contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.^[9]

  Tight junctions = better protection

  A healthier gut leads to better whole-body nutrition. When there are gaps in the intestinal wall, toxins can slip through more readily. Tight junctions are also associated with better absorption of nutrients from the diet. This is one reason why SCFA production is crucial for a healthy microbiome. Additionally, high integrity of the gut barrier correlates with improved immunity. When toxins bypass the barrier, they burden the immune system, potentially overtaxing it. However, when butyrate is induced or increased, immunity improves.

  More data is on the way: poster presentation from Pendulum

  Preliminary data suggest a correlation between higher levels of Akkermansia in the microbiome and positive cross-talk along the gut-brain axis.^[14] As levels increase, there are also increases in tryptophan and kynurenine, key regulators in the GABA and kynurenine pathways. These pathways are implicated in neurological conditions such as mood disorders and anxiety.

  

  This research revealed that Akkermansia muciniphila produces important neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, specifically compounds in the GABA and Tryptophan pathways. Using both genetic analysis and metabolomics, researchers found that A. muciniphila actively produces these compounds during its growth phase. In a clinical trial, subjects receiving an A. muciniphila probiotic showed higher levels of these beneficial compounds in their blood, suggesting potential implications for mood and mental health through the gut-brain axis.^[14]

  Further early research indicates that food cravings may be associated with levels of Akkermansia in the gut.^[15] When levels increase, 91% of trial participants reported reduced food and sugar cravings. In addition to positively affecting mood, Akkermansia levels can influence how people approach food.

  

  This clinical study investigated how a probiotic containing Akkermansia muciniphila affects food cravings. Results showed that 91% of participants experienced reduced overall food cravings after supplementation, with particularly notable reductions in cravings for sweets, fast food, and carbohydrates. The research suggests that modulating gut bacteria through Akkermansia supplementation may help regulate appetite and food-seeking behavior.^[15]

  The connection between A. muciniphila and metabolism isn’t just about one or two isolated effects — it’s about a complex web of interactions that collectively support metabolic health. This is why finding ways to support healthy Akkermansia levels, such as through specific dietary components like resistant potato starch, has become an exciting area of research in metabolic health.

  And that leads us to the next section — Solnul® resistant potato starch, a key ingredient in Modere Curb.

Solnul®: A Clinically-Validated Way to Boost Akkermansia

Solnul® is a patented form of resistant potato starch (RPS)^[16] that has emerged as a scientifically-backed prebiotic ingredient. Also studied under the name MSPrebiotic, it’s specifically designed to promote gut health by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia muciniphila. With its ability to enhance microbiome balance and metabolic markers at low, practical doses, Solnul® sets itself apart from other resistant starch products as a key player in dietary supplements and food products meant for metabolic health and appetite regulation.

• Understanding Resistant Potato Starch

  

  Resistant potato starch supplementation significantly reduces free fatty acid levels, supporting healthier metabolic markers.

  Resistant potato starch (RPS) belongs to a unique class of dietary fibers known as resistant starches, which are distinguished by their ability to evade digestion in the small intestine and ferment in the colon. Unlike traditional starches, RPS resists enzymatic breakdown due to its crystalline structure, classifying it as a Type 2 resistant starch.^[17] This fermentation process yields short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate,^[18] which support gut integrity and systemic metabolic health.

  RPS is particularly effective due to its dual properties: insolubility and full fermentability. This allows it to selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia,^[19,20] creating a prebiotic effect that contributes to improved bowel regularity, reduced inflammation, and enhanced metabolic responses at doses as low as 3.5 grams per day.^[19,21,22] Furthermore, clinical trials using Solnul® have linked RPS consumption to reductions in free fatty acid levels and improvements in gut microbiota composition,^[21,22] solidifying its reputation as a functional ingredient with far-reaching health benefits.

• Clinical research findings

  Solnul® / MSPrebiotic® has been clinically studied several times – below is a general research recap of 8 publicly available studies:

  Alfa et al., 2018 – A randomized trial on digestion-resistant starch and the gut microbiome^[23]

  • Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study included elderly (70+ years) and mid-aged adults (30-50 years).^[23] Participants consumed either MSPrebiotic® (30 grams/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Stool samples were analyzed for microbiome composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels.
  • Results: MSPrebiotic® increased Bifidobacterium levels significantly in both age groups and reduced Proteobacteria-associated dysbiosis in elderly participants. SCFA butyrate levels were also elevated in the elderly.^[23]
  • Key Findings: MSPrebiotic® improved microbiome diversity and metabolic health markers, demonstrating its prebiotic benefits, particularly for elderly individuals.^[23]

  Alfa et al., 2018 – Effects on glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance^[17]

  

  • Methods: Healthy elderly and mid-age adults consumed 30 grams/day of MSPrebiotic® for 12 weeks in a placebo-controlled setting. Blood markers for glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance were measured.^[17]
  • Results: Elderly participants experienced significant reductions in fasting glucose and insulin levels, along with improved insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR).
  • Key Findings: MSPrebiotic® demonstrates potential for improving metabolic health, particularly in reducing type 2 diabetes risk among elderly adults.^[17]

  Bush et al., 2020 – Gut microbiome and LDL improvements^[24]

  • Methods: This randomized trial involved 75 participants consuming MSPrebiotic® or a placebo for 12 weeks. Correlations between microbiome changes and LDL cholesterol levels were analyzed.^[24]
  • Results: Participants consuming MSPrebiotic® showed increased Parasutterella levels in their microbiome, correlating with reduced LDL cholesterol.
  • Key Findings: MSPrebiotic® may support cardiovascular health by modulating microbiome composition and reducing LDL levels in individuals with a favorable gut baseline.^[24]

  Shamloo et al., 2022 – Resistant starch in chronic kidney disease (ReSPECKD trial)^[25]

  • Methods: This crossover trial studied 36 individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) consuming either 15 grams/day of resistant potato starch or digestible starch for 12 weeks. Uremic toxins and microbiome changes were measured.^[25]
  • Results: Resistant starch reduced uremic toxins and shifted the microbiome towards carbohydrate-degrading bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium.
  • Key Findings: Resistant potato starch may help manage CKD by reducing harmful metabolites and promoting a healthier gut microbiome.^[25]

  Warman et al., 2022 – Resistant starch and inflammaging^[18]

  

  Akkermansia muciniphila: A probiotic powerhouse for healthy aging and combating age-related diseases (ARDs).

  • Methods: This review highlighted the role of resistant starch and probiotics in reducing inflammation associated with aging. Data from human and animal studies were included.^[18]
  • Results: Resistant starch fermentation produced SCFAs, notably butyrate, which supports gut health and reduces chronic inflammation.
  • Key Findings: Resistant starch plays a vital role in combating “inflammaging” through gut microbiota modulation and anti-inflammatory metabolite production.^[18]

  Bush et al., 2023 – Solnul® and prebiotic effects (increased Akkermansia)^[19]

  

  Heatmap showing correlations between microbiota changes and reduced abnormal bowel symptoms.

  • Methods: In a placebo-controlled trial, participants consumed 3.5 or 7 grams/day of Solnul® for four weeks. Microbiome composition and bowel symptoms were assessed.^[19]
  • Results: Solnul® increased Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium populations significantly at both doses and improved bowel regularity.
  • Key Findings: Even low doses of Solnul® effectively promote beneficial bacteria, validating its use as a prebiotic in metabolic health products.^[19]

  Bush et al., 2024 – RPS and gut microbiota in bowel symptom improvement^[22]

  

  Impact of resistant potato starch on bowel symptoms, highlighting its potential in gut health and microbiome balance.

  • Methods: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial evaluated 3.5 and 7 grams/day of resistant potato starch over four weeks, focusing on gut microbiota correlations with bowel symptoms.^[22]
  • Results: Resistant starch consumption reduced constipation and diarrhea incidents and was associated with beneficial changes in bacterial taxa.
  • Key Findings: Resistant potato starch alleviates bowel symptoms and promotes microbial balance, confirming its functional fiber benefits.^[22]

  Bush et al., 2024 – RPS and serum free fatty acids (FFAs)^[21]

  • Methods: Participants consumed 3.5 grams/day of resistant potato starch for four weeks. Serum levels of FFAs and bile acids were analyzed.^[21]
  • Results: Resistant starch reduced FFAs and conjugated bile acids, with no changes in ketone bodies.
  • Key Findings: These findings link low-dose resistant starch to improved fatty acid metabolism, highlighting its potential in metabolic health strategies.^[21]

  Bush et al., 2024 – Resistant Potato Starch and Histamine Reduction^[20]

  

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  • Methods: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 3.5 grams/day of Solnul® in 48 healthy adults for four weeks. Serum histamine levels, microbiota composition, and metabolites linked to intestinal permeability were assessed via metabolomic and microbial analysis.^[20]
  • Results: RPS significantly reduced serum histamine levels compared to placebo, with modest reductions in histamine-secreting bacteria, including Haemophilus and Lactobacillus, though these did not fully account for histamine level changes. Serum markers of intestinal permeability significantly decreased in the RPS group, indicating improved gut barrier integrity.^[20]

    Enhanced intestinal barrier function was correlated with increased Akkermansia abundance and shifts in metabolite ratios, suggesting mitochondrial improvements.^[20]

  • Key Findings: This study is the first to demonstrate that low-dose RPS can reduce serum histamine levels in healthy adults. The reduction appears linked to improved gut barrier function rather than direct effects on histamine metabolism or gut bacteria alone.

    These findings position RPS as a promising prebiotic for mitigating histamine intolerance and enhancing intestinal health in a clinically relevant way.

• Optimal dosing strategies

  The research on Solnul® demonstrates that meaningful benefits can be achieved at surprisingly low doses. While many resistant starch studies historically used doses of 15-30g per day, the latest clinical research shows significant improvements in gut bacteria populations and metabolic markers at just 3.5g daily.^[19,21,22]

  Low doses – 3.5 to 7g per day

  When comparing 3.5g versus 7g daily doses:

  • Both doses significantly increased beneficial Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium populations^[19]
  • Both doses improved bowel movement regularity and consistency^[22]
  • The 3.5g dose was sufficient to reduce serum free fatty acids and impact bile acid metabolism^[21]

  

  While higher doses of 30g per day used in earlier studies demonstrated robust benefits, particularly in elderly populations,^[23] the ability to achieve meaningful results at just 3.5g daily makes Solnul® far more practical for everyday use.

  The lower effective dose means:

  • Better tolerability with fewer GI adjustment symptoms
  • More convenient serving sizes
  • Greater cost-effectiveness
  • Easier incorporation into supplements and functional foods

  The research suggests that 3.5g per day appears to be the optimal minimum effective dose for most people seeking metabolic and gut health benefits.

  Some higher-dose effects to consider

  With that said, higher doses of resistant starch are associated with increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which supports intestinal health, reduces inflammation, and improves insulin sensitivity.^[18] So there could be some dose-dependent benefits that some individuals with specific metabolic goals or severe gut dysbiosis may wish to consider.

  3.5 to 7g per day is the go-to dose

  However, the current data shows that the lower 3.5g dose achieves significant improvements in key markers of metabolic and gastrointestinal health.

  For those new to resistant potato starch supplementation, starting at 3.5g daily and assessing tolerance before potentially increasing to 7g may be a prudent approach. As with any prebiotic fiber, some individuals may experience temporary digestive adjustment symptoms when first starting supplementation.

How Solnul® Works

The mechanism behind Solnul®’s ability to boost Akkermansia muciniphila levels reveals an elegant symbiotic relationship between resistant starch, beneficial gut bacteria, and metabolic health. When consumed, the resistant potato starch reaches the colon largely undigested, where it serves as a fermentable substrate for specific gut bacteria.^[19]

As discussed in the section above, research shows that a modest 3.5 gram daily dose of Solnul significantly increases Akkermansia muciniphila levels compared to placebo after just 4 weeks.^[19] This effect appears to occur through both direct and indirect pathways:

1. First, Akkermansia levels rise alongside increases in Bifidobacterium populations.^[19] This is notable because Bifidobacteria are known to be primary degraders of resistant starch, producing metabolites like acetate and lactate through fermentation.^[26] These metabolites then serve as energy sources for other beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia, in a process known as cross-feeding.^[19]
2. Additionally, the fermentation of Solnul® produces butyrate,^[21] a short-chain fatty acid that helps maintain the gut’s protective mucus layer. Since Akkermansia thrives in this mucus environment, the increased mucus production creates ideal conditions for this beneficial microbe to flourish.^[19]

• Additional microbiome benefits

  Beyond its effects on Akkermansia, Solnul® promotes broader improvements in gut microbial balance. The primary degradation of resistant potato starch by Bifidobacteria creates a cascade of beneficial effects throughout the gut ecosystem.^[19] Notably, resistant potato starch supplementation:

  • Increases beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, which support gut barrier function^[19]
  • Promotes microbial diversity, an important indicator of gut health^[19]
  • Helps normalize bowel movements by improving both constipation and diarrhea-associated symptoms^[19,22]

• Metabolic improvements

  

  The metabolic benefits of Solnul appear to stem from multiple complementary mechanisms. Recent research has revealed that resistant potato starch:

  • Reduces serum free fatty acid levels, particularly unsaturated fatty acids which can contribute to insulin resistance when elevated^[21]
  • Influences bile acid metabolism, potentially supporting improved metabolic signaling^[21]
  • Supports gut barrier function by reducing serum histamine levels, suggesting improved intestinal integrity^[20]

  These metabolic improvements are particularly noteworthy because they occur at a relatively low dose of 3.5 grams per day – much lower than the 15-30 grams of resistant starch typically required for metabolic benefits.^[20,21] This suggests that Solnul®’s unique properties as a resistant potato starch, combined with its ability to boost Akkermansia levels, may offer a more efficient pathway to metabolic health support.

  Through these multiple, complementary mechanisms, Solnul® creates an environment that supports both optimal gut microbiome function and improved metabolic health markers. The synergy between these effects helps explain why this specific form of resistant potato starch has shown such promise in clinical research, and why it was added to Modere Curb at the clinically-studied 3.5 gram dose.

Boost Akkermansia and GLP-1 While Suppressing Appetite with Modere’s Curb

After exploring the fascinating science behind Akkermansia muciniphila and its effects on metabolic health, we can better understand why Modere’s innovative supplement Curb represents such an exciting development in the weight management space. By combining Solnul resistant potato starch with other research-backed ingredients, Curb provides a natural, multi-faceted approach to appetite control and metabolic health.

The key to Curb’s effectiveness lies in its three-pronged strategy:

How resistant starch supports gut health and mitigates aging-related inflammation.

1. First, Curb features GlycoLemon (powered by Eriomin), which has been clinically shown to boost GLP-1 levels by up to 15%. This provides a natural way to enhance satiety signaling without the harsh side effects associated with pharmaceutical GLP-1 agonists. The naturally-occurring citrus bioflavonoids work with your body’s own mechanisms rather than artificially forcing them.
2. Second, the inclusion of 3.5 grams of Solnul® resistant potato starch helps increase levels of beneficial Akkermansia bacteria.^[19,20] This prebiotic effect supports healthy metabolic function through improved glucose regulation and enhanced gut barrier integrity. Clinical research demonstrates that just 3.5 grams per day of Solnul can significantly boost Akkermansia populations while reducing both diarrhea- and constipation-associated symptoms.^[22]
3. Finally, Curb incorporates glucomannan fiber from konjac root, which expands in the stomach to provide an additional satiety-promoting effect. This natural fiber works synergistically with the GLP-1-boosting and prebiotic effects to help control appetite through multiple pathways.

The results speak for themselves – in Modere’s recent transformation challenge, 28 participants lost over 550 pounds in 90 days using Curb as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management. You can read more about these incredible results in our in-depth review of the Curb beta test.

This revolutionary formula represents a major step forward in natural appetite control and metabolic support. To learn more about the science and innovation behind Curb, check out our detailed coverage of its groundbreaking ingredient profile in our main Modere Curb article. And stay tuned to the PricePlow Podcast, where we’ll be welcoming back Modere CEO Nate Frazier to dive even deeper into this game-changing supplement.