Introduction
Adequate food consumption does not necessarily guarantee sufficient and balanced nutrient intake. Achieving a healthy and balanced diet requires consuming nutrient-rich food, which can be achieved through fortification. Fortification aims to supplement or achieve target levels of nutrients in the population or specific population groups, particularly those affected by hunger and malnutrition. The importance of food fortification is further emphasized during the COVID-19 outbreak. Undernourished individuals with metabolic health issues such as obesity and diabetes face a higher risk associated with COVID-19 [
1].
Malnutrition encompasses inadequate, excessive, or imbalanced intake of energy and nutrients. Globally, there are 1.9 billion overweight adults and 462 million underweight adults. Furthermore, 144 million children under the age of five experience stunted growth, while 38.3 million are overweight (WHO, 2020). Reasons for malnutrition include low intake of animal sources in the diet, lack of education, poor economic conditions, and insufficient food availability [
2]. According to Chadare
et al., (2019), fortification is recognized as a public health strategy to address such issues by balancing nutrient intake without increasing calorie intake. Currently, 83 countries mandating the fortification of cereal grains, 20 fortifying edible oil, and nine fortifying sugar. Some countries also fortify rice, milk, and condiments (Leung, Braverman and Pearce, 2012; Mannar and Hurrel, 2018).
Micronutrients are essential substances that are required in small quantities but are vital for various physiological functions in the human body. They include vitamins (organic compounds) and minerals (inorganic compounds), that differ in term of chemical structure and specific roles. Micronutrients are involved in energy metabolism, immune function, DNA synthesis, and many other processes. On the other hand, non-nutrients are bioactive compounds present in food that go beyond basic nutrition. They encompass a wide range of substances, including bioactive peptides, prebiotics, and conjugated fats. Bioactive peptides are short chains of amino acids that can exert specific physiological effects, such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial activities. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting gut health. Conjugated fats, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), are modified forms of fatty acids that have been associated with various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties [
4].
Fermentation, a natural process facilitated by microorganisms, has emerged as a promising technique to enhance the biosynthesis and availability of both micronutrients and non-nutrients in food [
5]. Fermentation can occur spontaneously or with the use of starter cultures containing specific microbial species [
6]. Microbes involved in fermentation can produce or activate certain vitamins, release minerals from complex compounds, generate bioactive peptides through enzymatic hydrolysis, and convert fatty acids into conjugated forms [
7]. This transformation not only increases the content of these compounds but also improves their bioavailability, making fermented foods a valuable source of micronutrients and non-nutrients with potential health benefits [
7].
Common microbes involved in fermentation include lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast (such as
Saccharomyces species), and fungi (including
Aspergillus,
Penicillium, and
Fusarium) [
8,
9,
10,
11,
12]. To ensure food safety, the microbes used in fermentation must be categorized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). The selection of microorganisms determines their characteristics, such as probiotic properties, antioxidant activity, peptide production, or degradation of antinutritive compounds. The chosen strains should also exist in the intestinal flora for further breakdown [
13].
This review aims to demonstrate that fermentation-based biofortification offers a promising approach for enhancing the nutritional value of food through the production of beneficial compounds. The studies discussed in this review highlight the potential of microbial fermentation to produce various nutritional and non-nutritional compounds that have been associated with various health benefits. The choice of specific microorganisms and environmental factors that influence these processes can guide the optimization of fermentation conditions to maximize the production of desired compounds.
Impact of Fermentation on Micronutrients
Micronutrients, as indicated by the term "micro," are essential nutrients required in small quantities that promote health benefits such as growth and immune system support, reducing the risk of infection [
14]. They can be classified into four categories: water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, macro-minerals, and trace minerals.
Typically, minerals are not typically synthesized by microorganisms, but their bioavailability can be significantly enhanced through microbial actions. Microorganisms have the capability to break down antinutritional factors that bind to minerals, such as phytic acids, tannins, oxalates, enzyme inhibitors, lectins, and glucosinates [
7] (
Figure 1). Moreover, microbial activity leads to the production of organic acids, such as lactic acid and acetic acid. These organic acids play a crucial role in breaking down the cell walls of plant-based foods, thereby releasing and making minerals more readily available for absorption. Furthermore, microorganisms secrete digestive enzymes like proteases and lipases, which effectively break down food into smaller molecules, facilitating the enhanced absorption of minerals.
Sadh
et al. (2018) demonstrated that fermenting black-eyed pea flour with
Aspergillus oryzae at 30°C for 96 hours improved zinc bioavailability from 14.36 ± 0.96% in unfermented flour to 29.63 ± 1.55% in fermented flour, as determined by
in vitro assays.
A. oryzae is known to possess hydrolytic enzymes such as phytase, which can improve zinc absorption during the fermentation process (Zhang
et al., 2015). Similarly, Lazarte
et al. (2015) found that fermented cassava tuber exhibited increased zinc bioabsorption from 16.5% to 240% compared to unfermented tuber, with a decrease in pH value from 6.80 to 5.1. The drop in pH value indicates phytate breakdown, as phytic acid activity is optimal at pH values between 4.5 and 5.5 [
18].
Microorganisms possess the remarkable ability to synthesize certain nutrients
de novo, including essential amino acids and vitamins such as the vitamin B complex (
Figure 2). Recent research has demonstrated the ability of different microbial producers to synthesize riboflavin (B2) during the fermentation process. B2 is an important co-enzyme, especially for the formation of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH
2) that participates as electron carrier during the metabolic processes. The biosynthesis of riboflavin involves a series of enzymatic reactions, starting from the precursor molecule GTP (guanosine triphosphate). Microbes such as bacteria, yeasts, and fungi can produce B2, with certain bacterial species like
Bacillus subtilis and
Ashbya gossypii being efficient B2 producers. These microorganisms have specific genes encoding the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of B2.
Rajendran et al. (2017) found that
S. boulardii SAA655, when used as a starter culture in naturally fermented idli batter, increased the B2 content from a static level to 500 ng/g after 14 hours of fermentation. Similarly, Chagas Junior
et al., (2021), observed that the addition of starter cultures (
S. cerevisiae and
Pichia kudriavzevii) in cocoa reduced fermentation time from 96 hours to 72 hours while enhancing B2 production. Thompson
et al., (2020) investigated B2 production in a fermented cauliflower and white bean mixture with
L. plantarum Lp900. They found a significant increase in riboflavin content (91.6 ± 0.6 μg/100 g fresh weight) compared to the unfermented control (42.83 ± 1.20 μg/100 g fresh weight). Carrizo
et al. (2020) also observed that fermentation of quinoa bread with
L. plantarum strains increased B2 production (5.1 ± 0.4 μg/g dough) compared to unfermented quinoa bread (2.2 ± 0.1 μg/g dough) after 24 hours at 30°C. Altogether, these result suggests that the addition of starter culture can reduce fermentation time and also enhance the production of B2 [
22].
Folate (B9) is important for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. Like B2, B9 can be synthesised by microorganisms
de novo through a biosynthetic pathway (
Figure 2). This pathway involves a series of enzymatic reactions that convert p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and pteridine derivatives into tetrahydrofolate (THF), the active form of vitamin B9. Lactic acid bacteria possess the necessary enzymes, including dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS), to catalyze these reactions.
In recent literatures Laiño et al. (2013) found that yoghurt supplemented with L. bulgaricus CRL871, S. thermophilus CRL803, and CRL415 strains produced the highest amount of B9 (180 ± 10 mg/L) after 6 hours of fermentation at 42°C, which was 125% higher than commercial yoghurt. Kobayashi et al. (2019) mentioned that S. thermophilus promotes the activity of L. bulgaricus, leading to increased B9 production. Clara et al., (2020) also reported positive results for B9 production after 30 days of cheese fermentation with nine species: L. plantarum, L. casei, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, L. paracasei subsp. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, St. thermophilus, Lc. lactis subsp. lactis, E. lactis, and E. faecium.
The comprehensive review on the ability of microorganism in produce cobalamin (B12) was performed by [
26]. Vitamin B12 is primarily produced by bacteria during fermentation, with
Propionibacterium freudenreichii,
L. reuteri,
L. plantarum, and
Bifidobacterium animalis being notable producers. The biosynthesis of vitamin B12 involves complex pathways, including the conversion of precursors like uroporphyrinogen III.
L. reuteri has approximately 30 genes responsible for vitamin B12 synthesis, with the hem gene positioned uniquely in the middle of the gene cluster [
27].
Xie
et al. (2019) investigated the co-fermentation effect with pH value on the production of B12 in fermented wheat bran. They found that wheat bran fermented with
P. freudenreichii DSM 20271 and
L. brevis ATCC 14869 showed an increase in B12 production from day 1 (255 ± 31 ng/g dw) to day 3 (332 ± 44 ng/g dw) at 25°C.
Lactobacillus strains contribute to food safety by inhibiting the growth of other microbes and promoting acidic conditions in the medium (Selwet, 2020), while
P. freudenreichii is a microbial producer of B12 [
29]. Wolkers – Rooijackers
et al. (2018) also supported the role of
P. freudenreichii as a B12 producer during the fermentation of lupin tempeh at 25°C. However, they found lower B12 production (0.01 ± 0 μg/100 g) in fermented lupin tempeh at 25°C for 2 days, while B12 production (30.67 ± 0.17 μg/100 g) was detected at 30°C fermentation. The optimum incubation temperature for B12 synthesis by Propionibacterium spp. is in the range of 30 to 35°C [
31]. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of fermentation to enhance the production of micronutrients such as B2, B9, vB12, and minerals like iron and zinc. By selecting specific microbial strains, controlling pH, and optimizing incubation temperatures, the nutritional quality of fermented foods can be improved.
Vitamin K exists in multiple dietary forms, including phylloquinone (PK) and menaquinones (MKs). PK, also known as vitamin K-1, is predominantly found in green leafy vegetables, while MKs, including MK-4 to MK-13, are primarily synthesized by bacteria and present in smaller amounts in meat, dairy, and fermented food products. Bacterial synthesis of MKs was discovered in the 1930s, and most bacteria produce MKs with isoprenoid side chains of varying lengths. Bacteria utilize distinct biochemical pathways for MK synthesis, such as the pathway employed by LAB in food fermentations. In this pathway, the napthoquinone ring is synthesized from chorismate, and the isoprenoid side chain is separately formed before being joined to complete MK biosynthesis. The specific bacterial strains and fermentation conditions influence the concentrations and forms of MKs in fermented foods. For instance, cheese and milk products are major dietary sources of long-chain MKs, particularly MK-8 and MK-9, produced by LAB strains. Other fermented foods like sauerkraut and natto also contain long-chain MKs. However, limited comprehensive data exist on MK contents in different foods and regional variations in dairy consumption, necessitating further research to accurately assess MK intake at the individual and population levels [
32].
Prebiotics - Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
Prebiotic production is commonly associated with fungi, although certain LAB also have the capability to produce prebiotics like FOS and GOS. The inclusion of prebiotics, specifically oligosaccharides, has been demonstrated to promote the growth of LAB and enhance the production of B-vitamins, especially folate [
37,
38]. However, rather than being naturally produced (
in situ) during food processing, these prebiotics are often added or fortified in food to enhance their functionality. They can directly influence the health properties of the food by providing specific benefits, or indirectly enhance the effectiveness of probiotics present in the food.
Table 1 presents a collection of studies that have explored the capacity of microorganisms to increase the content of FOS and GOS in food. The production of prebiotics
in situ is more commonly practiced with GOS compared to FOS. Industrial production of FOS is typically carried out under controlled conditions using fungi, while GOS is often produced directly within dairy-based fermented foods, benefiting from the numerous LAB strains that naturally ferment such products.
FOS are a type of inulin-type oligosaccharide commonly used as prebiotics due to their strong bifidogenic activity [
39,
40]. The high demand for FOS has led to ongoing research in search of new microbes that can produce fructosyltransferase (FTase) with excellent transfructosylation activity, which is crucial for FOS production. Some potent microorganisms involved in the industrial fermentation of FOS includes
Aspergillus sp.,
Penicillium sp.,
Aureobasidium pullulans, LAB, and some bacterial species [
41]. Both submerged and solid-state fermentation methods can be employed for cost-effective and efficient production of short-chain FOS. The food industry often uses FOS as low-calorie sweeteners due to their desirable properties [
42].
FOS can be synthesized through a transfructosylation reaction via two pathways: the enzyme ß-D-fructofuranosidase (FFase) or fructosyltransferase (FTase). The process involves two major steps. The first step, catalyzed by FFase (EC 3.2.1.26), irreversibly hydrolyzes the glycosidic bond of sucrose (GF) by cleaving the β (2,1) linkages. FFase acts as both a donor and an acceptor of a fructosyl residue, resulting in the production of glucose and the trisaccharide 1-kestose. The second step is a readily reversible reaction, where 1-kestose or another β (2,1) linked fructan can act as the fructosyl donor, while GF or any fructan can act as the acceptor. This reaction is catalyzed by FTase (EC 2.4.1.9), which specifically cleaves and reforms the β (2,1) linkage between fructosyl-fructose units [
39,
40].
The physicochemical characteristics of the substrate play a crucial role in FOS production during microbial fermentation. Studies by [
55]and [
56] highlighted the high FOS production observed in sugar cane bagasse, which was attributed to its high-water absorption index (WAI) facilitating microorganism growth and cell immobilization. However, recent findings from [
57]and [
58] challenged the notion that physicochemical parameters alone determine FOS production. They observed that certain microorganisms, such as
A. tamarii URM4634 and
Aspergillus niger LBA 02, exhibited low WAI but still showed high enzyme activity. This suggests that factors beyond physicochemical parameters, including nutrient absorption and enzyme production, contribute to the complex process of FOS production during fermentation.
According to Davani-Davari
et al. (2019), during the fermentation process, β-galactosidase can undergo transgalactosylation mechanism to produce GOS. The GOS can be produced through the binding of galactose molecules to lactose where 3-6 pieces of saccharides bind with β (1-4; 1-6) bonds to 2-5 parts of galactose units (Demirci et al., 2017). Optimizing temperature is crucial for maximizing β-galactosidase activity and GOS production in different microbial strains. For instance,
Penicillium sp. exhibited high activity at 50°C, while LAB strains, like
L. bulgaricus, thrived at 45°C. Moreover, strain selection plays a vital role, with
P. acidilactici showing enhanced β-galactosidase activity and GOS production [
60].
Bioactive peptides (BP) are specific protein fragments that contribute to overall body health. The activity of these peptides is influenced by their inherent amino acid composition and sequence. Initially inactive in the parent protein, BP can be generated through microbial fermentation, leading to functional food benefits, as highlighted by Taniguchi et al., (2018). Various microorganisms possess different proteolytic systems, and common probiotic strains like
L. plantarum,
L. acidophilus,
Aspergillus oryzae, and
B. subtilis are known to undergo proteolytic [
62]
Fermentation of various food substrates using specific probiotic strains has been shown to enhance the production of BP with potential health benefits. Ayyash et. al (2018) investigated the fermentation of camel milk using L. lactis KX881782 and observed a significant inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, indicating potential antidiabetic activity. Similarly, Flores-Medellín et al. (2020) found that fermented black bean with B. subtilis exhibited beneficial effects in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanism of action of BP involves the inactivation of specific enzymes such as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), as discussed by Yan et al. (2019). Mazorra-Manzano et al. (2020) demonstrated an increase in ACE-inhibitory activity in cheese whey after fermentation, while Wu et. al. (2017) highlighted the inhibition of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) as a mechanism for antihypertensive effects. Furthermore, Najafian and Babji (2018) and Wu et al. (2017) reported antioxidant activities in fermented fish and salmon skin, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of fermentation in generating BP with various health-promoting properties.
The production of BP through microbial fermentation is influenced by the duration of fermentation, as observed by Sharma
et al., (2020). They found that the highest proteolytic activity (30.38 mg leucine/mL) in flaxseed milk supplemented with
L. plantarum NCDC 374 was detected at 126 hours of fermentation, with a subsequent decrease in proteolytic activity at later stages. Similar trends were reported by Liu
et al. (2017) in their study on defatted wheat germ (DWG) fermented with
B. subtilis 10160. The peptide content increased from 0 hours (4.31 ± 0.59%) to 48 hours (29.68 ± 0.98%) and then decreased to 25.80 ± 1.49% at 72 hours of fermentation. This observation aligns with the findings of Ying and Voo (2020), who emphasized that the fermentation process can enhance bioactive peptide levels in food and beverages through the proteolytic activity of microorganisms. Maffioli
et al., (2020) discussed the interaction between endopeptidases and exopeptidases, noting that with longer fermentation durations, peptides produced by endopeptidases can further hydrolyze into amino acids, resulting in lower peptide levels (
Figure 2).
Furthermore, Panchal
et al., (2020) and Peres
et al. (2017) both reported the highest proteolytic activity and bioactive peptide production in goat milk fermented with
L. fermentum and
L. helveticus IMAU80872, respectively, under specific fermentation conditions. It has been suggested by Raveschot
et al. (2018) that
Lactobacillus strains develop proteolytic systems to hydrolyze proteins into various bioactive peptides (
Figure 3). However, the BP profiles can vary among different
Lactobacillus strains due to differences in CEP gene expression, CEP gene mutations, and enzymatic activities under specific optimum conditions.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) and Conjugated Fatty Acids (CLA)
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are end-products of microbial fermentation in the gut and play a crucial role in host health. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are the main SCFAs produced through the breakdown of dietary fibers and other complex carbohydrates by gut microbiota. SCFAs have diverse physiological effects, including energy metabolism, immune modulation, and maintenance of gut barrier integrity. However, various fermented foods, such as from dairy and vegetable-based fermented foods were shown to also be rich in these substrates. Dietary SCFA has been shown to exert multiple health benefits, such as reduced risk of metabolic perturbations, obesity, improved lipid synthesis and microbial composition [
76].
Numerous studies have investigated the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through microbial fermentation in various food substrates. For instance, Jia et al. (2016) observed increased SCFA production (11.74 ± 0.08 mg mL−1) during the fermentation of goat milk yogurt with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Similarly, Hu et al. (2019) reported elevated levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in carrot juice fermented with L. rhamnosus GG. However, Wang et al. (2020) argued that the correlation between SCFA production and L. rhamnosus strains may not be direct.
Lee et al. (2020) demonstrated higher SCFA production in fermented rice liquors supplemented with barley compared to control alcoholic drinks. The supplemented group showed increased butyric acid (0.09 nmol/g dried fecal), propionic acid (0.11 nmol/g dried fecal), and acetic acid (0.45 nmol/g dried fecal) levels, while the control group had lower levels (butyric acid: 0.05 nmol/g dried fecal, propionic acid: 0.06 nmol/g dried fecal, acetic acid: 0.10 nmol/g dried fecal). Similarly, Pérez-Burillo et al. (2019) found that fermenting salami with citrus fibers enhanced SCFA production (acetate: 66%, propionate: 20%, butyrate: 58%) compared to the control.
These studies suggest that fermentation with dietary fiber can serve as an effective substrate for probiotics, leading to increased SCFA production [
82]. The modulation of gut flora by fermented beverages has potential implications, as SCFAs have been found to activate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and influence glycemic response, improving glucose tolerance and insulin release Alexander
et al., (2019) and. Butyrate, a major SCFA derived from Acetyl-CoA through the glycolysis of dietary carbohydrates, plays a significant role in these physiological effects (Erik et al., 2018).
Fermentation also plays a role in the conversion of linoleic acid (LA) into conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a beneficial modified fat. Microorganisms such as
Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Propionibacterium, and
Streptococcus can convert LA into CLA through linoleate isomerase enzyme activity. CLA synthesis can occur through direct isomerization of LA or via 10-hydroxy-octadecenoic acid in certain
Lactobacillus,
Propionibacterium,
Bifidobacterium, and
Clostridium-like bacteria found in the human gut [
85]. CLA production has been associated with reducing LDL cholesterol levels, enhancing immune function and osteogenesis, preventing hyperinsulinemia, and protecting against colon cancer [
86].
The production of conjugated CLA through microbial fermentation has been investigated in various food products. For instance, Hwang
et al. (2021) observed the production of cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-10, cis-12 CLA during the fermentation of soybean powder yogurt (SPY) with
L. plantarum, while no CLA production was detected with
L. brevis WCP02. Similarly, [
88] found efficient CLA production in semi-hydrated sausages fermented with
L. plantarum AB20–961. Furthermore, Palachum
et al., (2020) developed gummy jelly using guava pulp fermented with probiotic
L. plantarum WU-P19.
L. plantarum has been recognized as a probiotic capable of producing CLA Khosravi
et al. (2015), along with other microorganisms such as
Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Propionibacterium, and
Clostridium [
85]
Temperature has been identified as a factor influencing CLA production. Amiri
et al. (2020) demonstrated that the highest CLA production (105.08 μg/ml) in whey cheese supplemented with
Bifidobacterium lactis BB12 occurred at 34°C for 60 hours. In contrast, at the same fermentation duration (60 hours) but at 42°C, the CLA production was lower (67.66 μg/ml). Another study by Amiri
et al. (2020) showed that the highest CLA production during the fermentation of cheese whey with
L. acidophilus was at 38°C for 60 hours (38.69 μg/ml), while at 34°C, the production was lower (19.01 μg/ml). Temperature plays a crucial role in microbial growth and metabolism during fermentation. The optimum temperature for the growth and metabolism of
L. acidophilus in synthesizing CLA from linoleic acid (LA) is around 37°C [
91]. The temperature also affects the isomerase capability of lactic acid bacteria in transforming LA into CLA, as high temperatures can denature the isomerase enzyme and reduce CLA production [
92].