B-group vitamin production by lactic acid bacteria--current knowledge and potential applications

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Human vitamin deficiencies persist globally due to malnutrition and imbalanced diets.
• Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), though often auxotrophic, possess strains capable of synthesizing B-group vitamins (e.g., folates, riboflavin, vitamin B12).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on vitamin biosynthesis by LAB.
• To explore the potential of vitamin-producing LAB in preventing deficiencies and developing novel food products.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of vitamin biosynthesis pathways in LAB.
• Analysis of studies on starter cultures and probiotic strains for vitamin production.
• Examination of genetic engineering strategies for enhanced vitamin synthesis.

Main Results:

• Certain LAB strains can produce bioavailable B-group vitamins.
• Vitamin-producing LAB have been used to create novel fermented foods with increased vitamin content.
• Genetic engineering offers a route to improve or introduce vitamin production capabilities in LAB.

Conclusions:

• Selected vitamin-producing LAB strains can be a cost-effective strategy against vitamin deficiencies.
• These bacteria can be utilized to develop innovative, vitamin-enriched food products.
• LAB represent a promising alternative to conventional vitamin fortification programs.