Biosynthesis of Vitamins by Probiotic Bacteria

Abstract

Vitamins are important micronutrients that are often precursors to enzymes, which all living cells require to perform biochemical reactions. However, humans cannot produce many vitamins, so they have to be externally obtained. Using vitamin-producing microorganisms could be an organic and marketable solution to using pseudo-vitamins that are chemically produced, and could allow for the production of foods with higher levels of vitamins that could reduce unwanted side effects. Probiotic bacteria, as well as commensal bacteria found in the human gut, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can de novo synthesize and supply vitamins to human body. In humans, members of the gut microbiota are able to synthesize vitamin K, as well as most of the water-soluble B vitamins, such as cobalamin, folates, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamine.

Effects of two dietary probiotics ( Bacillus subtilis or licheniformis ) with two prebiotics (mannan or fructo oligosaccharide) in Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica

“…Generally, major mechanisms of probiotic action include enhancement of epithelial barrier, competitive exclusion of pathogenic microorganisms and production of antimicrobial substances, resulting in improved digestion and host growth (reviewed in (Bermudez‐Brito, Plaza‐Díaz, Muñoz‐Quezada, Gómez‐Llorente, & Gil, ; Ringø et al, )). Biosynthesis of vitamins by probiotic bacteria has been reviewed by (Gu & Li, ), showing that different probiotic species could be involved in different vitamin synthesis pathways. On the other hands, there is a hypothesis that short‐chain fatty acids derived from gut bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre may improve gut health by regulating host immune system (Baxter et al, ).…”

“…These materials can positively influence the digestive tract and improve feed digestion and utilization (Bairagi, Ghosh, Sen, & Ray, 2002;Bairagi, Sarkar Ghosh, Sen, & Ray, 2004;Ramirez & Dixon, 2003;Sugita, Kawasaki, & Deguchi, 1997;Wang, 2007;Yanbo & Zirong, 2006 & Gil, 2012;Ringø et al, 2010)). Biosynthesis of vitamins by probiotic bacteria has been reviewed by (Gu & Li, 2016), showing that different probiotic species could be involved in different vitamin synthesis pathways. On the other hands, there is a hypothesis that short-chain fatty acids derived from gut bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre may improve gut health by regulating host immune system (Baxter et al, 2019).…”

Thyroid-Gut-Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function?

“…Intestinal bacteria play a role in vitamin synthesis (vitamin K, folic acid, vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B12 [6,7], digestion of dietary fibers, regulation of the immune response, and mental disorders [8]. In regard to nutrition, the composition of the microbiota can be positively influenced by dietary fibers and other probiotic factors.…”

Effectiveness of probiotics in the management of inflammatory arthritis: a systematic review protocol

“…Vitamin synthesis capacity seems to be more strain specific, for example creation of folate requires two precursors, and genomic analysis of Bifidobacterium species suggests that only a few have the genes to code for both these precursors and could create folate in the gut of their host. 80,81 As a mainstay of rheumatology continues to include the use of Methotrexate, a known folate antagonist, patients currently require folate supplementation to offset the adverse effects of folate depletion. 82 The potential capacity of probiotics to create folate on demand in situ is an intriguing possibility for adjuvant therapy.…”