Method for increasing akkermansia in intestinal bacterial flora by ingesting astaxanthin

Abstract

A method for increasing bacteria belonging to the genus Akkermansia in an intestinal bacterial flora, comprising the step of ingesting a composition containing astaxanthin.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of increasing a percentage of bacteria belonging to the genus  Akkermansia  in an intestinal bacterial flora, and decreasing a percentage of at least bacteria belonging to Clostridia and  Lactobacillus  in the intestinal bacterial flora, in a patient in need of such an increase and such a decrease, the method comprising administering to such a patient a composition containing astaxanthin, wherein a daily amount of said astaxanthin administered is 1 to 40 mg. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said bacteria belonging to the genus  Akkermansia  are  Akkermansia muciniphila.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition containing astaxanthin is administered so that a blood astaxanthin concentration becomes more than 0 and no more than 600 ng/ml. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition containing astaxanthin is ingested for ameliorating a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said daily amount of said astaxanthin is 1 to 2 mg. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said daily amount of said astaxanthin is 6 to 40 mg.