Folate production by lactic acid bacteria

Abstract

Folate, a B-group vitamin, is involved in many metabolic pathways such as energy usage, nucleic acid synthesis and one-carbon metabolism. Human beings cannot synthesize folate so an exogenous supply of this vitamin is necessary to prevent nutritional deficiency. Although studies have shown the health benefits associated with increased folic acid intakes, others have put into evidence that high intakes of folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, but not natural folates, can cause adverse effects in some individuals such as the masking of the hematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. Currently, many researchers are evaluating novel methods to increase concentrations of naturally occurring folate in foods. This review will focus on metabolism, supplementation and production of folate by lactic acid bacteria. The proper selection and use of folate producing microorganisms is an interesting strategy to increase natural folate levels in foods or to produce the vitamin inside the gastrointestinal tract.