Researchers discovered that certain bacteria found in kefir (a fermented milk drink) can naturally produce a highly absorbable form of folate, an important B vitamin. Scientists tested 29 different bacteria strains and found that one called Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was the best at making this special folate. They also discovered that wrapping this folate with a protein called BSA helps keep it stable and effective longer. This could lead to new ways to make natural folate supplements that work better in your body and last longer on store shelves.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether bacteria from kefir grains could make a special type of folate (a B vitamin) that your body absorbs really well, and whether wrapping it with a protein could keep it from breaking down.
  • Who participated: Scientists tested 29 different strains of lactic acid bacteria (the good bacteria in fermented foods) that came from Indonesian kefir grains.
  • Key finding: One bacteria strain called L. plantarum RAL25 produced about 21 micrograms of the best type of folate per milliliter of liquid, which was significantly higher than other strains tested. When this folate was combined with a protein called BSA, it stayed stable and didn’t break down as easily.
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a possible new way to make natural folate supplements that your body can use better and that last longer. However, more testing is needed before these could become actual products you can buy.

The Research Details

Scientists collected 29 different strains of beneficial bacteria from Indonesian kefir grains and grew them in special lab conditions. They tested each strain to see which ones could make the most folate, specifically looking for two special types called THF and 5-MTHF that your body absorbs really well. Once they identified the best bacteria (L. plantarum RAL25), they took the folate it produced and mixed it with a protein called bovine serum albumin (BSA) to see if the protein could protect the folate and keep it stable. They used advanced laboratory techniques to confirm the folate was real and to study how it connected to the protein at a molecular level.

This approach is important because folate is essential for your health but the natural forms are fragile and break down easily. By using bacteria to make folate naturally and then protecting it with protein, scientists could create supplements that are more effective and last longer. This is better than current methods because it’s more natural and sustainable than chemical manufacturing.

This is a laboratory research study that identified promising bacteria and showed how a protein could stabilize folate. The researchers used proper scientific methods including spectral analysis and computer simulations to confirm their findings. However, this is early-stage research—the next steps would be testing whether the stabilized folate actually works better in human bodies and whether it could be made into real products. The study is solid for its purpose but represents the beginning of development, not proof that this will work in people.

What the Results Show

Among all 29 bacteria strains tested, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RAL25 was the clear winner, producing about 20.94 micrograms of 5-MTHF per milliliter—significantly more than the other strains. This is important because 5-MTHF is the form of folate that your body can use most easily without having to convert it first. The researchers confirmed that what the bacteria made was actually real folate by comparing it to authentic folate samples in the lab. When they combined this folate with BSA protein, the protein wrapped around the folate and protected it, similar to how a protective coating keeps medicine stable. Computer simulations showed that the folate and protein stuck together through natural chemical forces (hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions), which means this connection is strong and reliable.

The researchers also tested whether the bacteria could make another type of folate called THF, but the results weren’t as impressive as with 5-MTHF. The fact that L. plantarum RAL25 made folate without needing added folate in the growth medium is significant because it means the bacteria can naturally produce this vitamin, making the process more sustainable and natural.

Previous research has shown that folate deficiency is a major health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Most current folate supplements are made chemically or come from food sources that don’t stay stable long. This study builds on earlier work showing that certain bacteria can make folate, but it’s the first to focus specifically on Indonesian kefir bacteria and the first to systematically test protein stabilization using BSA. The findings align with what scientists know about how proteins can protect fragile nutrients.

This study was done entirely in laboratory conditions, not in human bodies, so we don’t yet know if the stabilized folate would actually work better when people take it. The researchers tested only 29 bacteria strains from one source (Indonesian kefir), so there might be other bacteria that work even better. The study didn’t measure how long the folate stays stable over time or under different storage conditions, which would be important for making actual products. Finally, they didn’t test whether the folate could actually be absorbed by human bodies better than current supplements.

The Bottom Line

This research is very promising but still early-stage. It suggests that using L. plantarum RAL25 bacteria to make folate could be a good future approach, but it’s not ready for real-world use yet. Scientists need to do more testing to confirm the folate stays stable during storage and that it actually works better in human bodies. Confidence level: Low to Moderate—this is solid laboratory research but needs human testing before recommendations can be made.

People interested in natural supplements, those with folate deficiency, pregnant women (who need extra folate), and people with certain genetic variations that make it hard for their bodies to use regular folate should pay attention to this research. However, until further testing is done, people should continue using their current folate supplements as recommended by their doctors. Food manufacturers and supplement companies should also be interested in this as a potential future ingredient.

If this research moves forward, it would likely take several years before any products could reach consumers. First, scientists need to do stability testing (6-12 months), then animal studies (1-2 years), then human studies (2-3 years), and finally regulatory approval. Realistically, we’re probably looking at 5-10 years before this could become an actual product you could buy.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily folate intake from food and supplements in micrograms (mcg). The recommended daily amount is 400 mcg for adults. Note the type of folate supplement you’re using (synthetic folic acid vs. natural folate forms) and any symptoms of deficiency like fatigue or difficulty concentrating.
  • Users could set a daily reminder to take their current folate supplement and log it in the app. They could also track folate-rich foods they eat (leafy greens, legumes, asparagus) to see if they’re getting enough naturally. When this new bacteria-based folate becomes available, users could switch to it and compare how they feel.
  • Create a 3-month tracking period to monitor energy levels, mood, and overall wellness while taking folate supplements. Once new products become available, users could compare their wellness scores before and after switching to the new bacteria-derived folate to see if there’s a noticeable difference in how they feel.

This research describes early-stage laboratory work and is not yet ready for human use. Do not attempt to use these bacteria or methods to make your own folate supplements. If you have folate deficiency or are pregnant, consult your healthcare provider about appropriate supplementation. Current medical recommendations for folate intake should be followed until new products based on this research are developed, tested in humans, and approved by regulatory agencies. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.