Potential for increasing folate contents of traditional African fermented sorghum gruel (Motoho) using presumptive probiotic lactic acid bacteria

Folate deficiency is commonly observed in most developing countries. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation of cereal-based foods could be an alternative to improving folate intake. This study evaluated the possibility of improving the folate contents of traditional African fermented sorghum gruel (motoho) using indigenous potential probiotic LAB. A total of 220 LAB strains isolated from maize gruel were screened for extracellular and intracellular folate production. Strains were further examined for in vitro probiotic characteristics and antimicrobial activity. Sixteen (16) LAB strains exhibited high production of total folate which ranged between 44 and 180 µg/100 mL with the lowest and highest value in L. plantarum S8 and L. plantarum S49, respectively. Fermentation of sorghum gruel with folate producing probiotic LAB strains for in situ folate production in motoho was determined. The folate contents of sorghum motoho fermented with LAB ranged between 13 and 20 µg/100 mL while the control was below 2.5 µg/100 mL. Indigenous LAB strains from traditional African fermented gruel possess desirable in vitro probiotic properties and ability to produce folates, thus, could be used for natural in situ folate fortification. This study presents a strategy for future application of indigenous probiotic LAB cultures as natural means of fortifying cereal foods with folates.