Chapter 16 - Folate Production by Lactic Acid Bacteria

J.E. LAIÑO; G. S. DE GIORI; J.G. LEBLANC

Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease

Elsevier

Año: 2013; p. 251 - 270

Folate, an essential B-group vitamin, is involved in many metabolic pathways such as energy usage and DNA and RNA biosynthesis. Human beings cannot synthesize folate, so an exogenous supply of this vitamin is necessary to prevent nutritional deficiency. A few years ago, extensive studies showed the health benefits associated with increased folic acid intake, and so many countries now possess mandatory folate enrichment programs. Now, several studies have proved that high intake 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 alternatives to increase concentrations of naturally occurring folate in foods. This review focuses 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 food.