Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Analysis of Interactions between Endobiotics and Human Gut Microbiota Using In Vitro Bath Fermentation Systems
Published on: August 23, 2019
Differences in folate production by bifidobacteria of different origins
Hirosuke Sugahara1, Toshitaka Odamaki1, Nanami Hashikura1
1Food Science and Technology Institute, Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., 5-1-83 Higashihara, Zama, Kanagawa 252-8583, Japan.
Abstract:
Bifidobacteria are known to produce folate, a vital nutrient for humans. Previous studies have suggested that the ability to produce folate is strain dependent, but further adequate evaluation is needed. In this study, a total of 44 strains, including 12 species and 7 subspecies, of bifidobacteria were investigated for the production of folate during cultivation in medium containing essential levels of folate for growth of the tested strains. An in vitro assay showed that all strains of human-residential bifidobacteria (HRB) were able to produce folate, whereas most strains of non-HRB were not, with the exception of the B. thermophilum and B. longum ssp. suis strains. The differences in the in vivo production of folate by HRB and non-HRB were confirmed using mono-associated mice. The fecal folate concentrations, blood levels of hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volumes were significantly higher in the mice colonized with a folate producer, B. longum subsp. longum, compared with mice colonized with a nonproducer, B. animalis subsp. lactis. Our results confirmed the differences in folate production between HRB and non-HRB strains and suggested the benefit of HRB to hosts from the perspective of potential folate delivery.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Human Microbiota
Bacterial Phylum Firmicutes
Microbiota of the Large Intestine
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Functions of the Gut Microbiota

