Is Pasteurized Akkermansia Muciniphila Still Considered a Probiotic?Updated 3 hours ago
Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila is used in dietary supplements across the industry, including in Codeage formulas. Understanding how pasteurization relates to probiotic classification requires a closer look at how the term is applied in the supplement category.
The Traditional Definition of Probiotics
The most widely cited scientific definition of a probiotic — established by the World Health Organization and the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) — refers to live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, may confer a benefit on the host.
Under this definition, live cultures are the standard reference point.
How Pasteurized Forms Are Used in the Supplement Industry
Pasteurization is a heat-treatment process applied during manufacturing. For Akkermansia muciniphila specifically, pasteurized forms are widely used in dietary supplements for two primary reasons:
- Live Akkermansia muciniphila is subject to specific regulatory requirements in several regions, limiting its use as a live culture in commercial supplements
- Pasteurized forms offer greater stability and are more broadly accepted for use in finished dietary supplement products
At Codeage, our Akkermansia muciniphila ingredient is pasteurized. The strain retains its intended structure and characteristics after heat treatment, and the formula is manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility.
Probiotic vs. Postbiotic: Understanding the Terminology
Some researchers and organizations use the term "postbiotic" to describe preparations of inactivated microorganisms, including heat-treated strains. This terminology is still evolving across the scientific and regulatory communities, and definitions are not yet uniformly applied across all markets or regulatory bodies.
The use of "probiotic" in the context of pasteurized strains reflects broader industry usage and the recognized role these ingredients play in supplement formulations. Codeage follows applicable regulatory guidelines in all markets where our products are sold.
A Note on Dairy
Pasteurization in this context refers solely to a heat-treatment process applied to the Akkermansia muciniphila strain during manufacturing. It is not related to dairy processing. The product remains dairy-free.
Codeage formulas are developed with care and may be subject to adjustments over time. We recommend checking the current product label or page for the most up-to-date ingredient and formulation information.
If you have questions about Codeage, any formula, or how to use our products, you can reach us through the live chat on the bottom-right corner of our website or by emailing [email protected]. You may also contact us on WhatsApp.