Hypothetical Regulation of Folate Biosynthesis and Strategies for Folate Overproduction in Lactic Acid Bacteria.

Folate (vitamin B9) is an essential nutrient for cell metabolism, especially in pregnant women; however, folate deficiency is a major global health issue. To address this issue, folate-rich fermented foods have been used as alternative sources of natural folate. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are commonly involved in food fermentation, can synthesize and excrete folate into the medium, thereby increasing folate levels.

The Occurrence of Folate Biosynthesis Genes in Lactic Acid Bacteria from Different Sources.

Research Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to produce folate. However, this ability is highly strain-dependent. Folate synthesis in specific LAB strains is affected by the availability of folate, which can be consumed by other LAB under certain conditions.

Folate in Milk Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria from Different Food Sources.

Folates are essential micronutrients, and folate deficiency still occurs in many countries. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to be able to synthesize folates during fermentation, but the folate production is strain-dependent and influenced by the fermentation medium, presence of a folate precursor, and fermentation time. This study aimed to screen extracellular folate-producing LAB from local food sources and evaluate the factors influencing their folate biosynthesis during milk fermentation.