Folate from probiotic bacteria and its therapeutic applications

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, but the human body cannot produce it.
• Dietary sources and microbial synthesis are the primary ways to obtain folate.
• Certain probiotic strains, including Lactiplantibacillus, Lactococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus, are capable of producing folate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review folate metabolism, its health significance, and deficiency issues.
• To explore folate synthesis by probiotic bacterial strains.
• To discuss the toxicological impacts and therapeutic potential of microbial folates.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on folate metabolism, synthesis, and health implications.
• Analysis of studies on folate-producing probiotic strains.
• Examination of toxicological data and therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

• Probiotic-derived folates offer advantages over synthetic folic acid due to better absorption and fewer side effects.
• Folate-producing probiotics contribute to improved gut microbiota and overall well-being.
• These probiotics demonstrate potential therapeutic benefits for autoimmune, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases, wound healing, drug delivery, and cancer.

Conclusions:

• Microbial folate synthesis by probiotics presents a promising and safer alternative to conventional folic acid supplementation.
• Folate-producing probiotics have significant potential for improving human health and treating various medical conditions.