Folate distribution in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum Desf.) pearled fractions

Background: Wholegrain cereals are an important source of folates. In this study, total folate was analyzed in different pearling fractions of hulled and hulless barley as well as in common and durum wheat in order to evaluate its distribution in the kernels. Results: A noticeable variation in the folate content was observed between the barley and wheat varieties. The highest folate content was detected in the hulless barley variety. A significant reduction in total folate, from 63% to 86%, was observed in both barley and wheat varieties from the outermost to the innermost pearling fractions. Conclusion: Results have proved that folates are mainly present in the germ and in the outer layers of the kernel. This is the first study reporting the folate distribution in both common and durum wheat and in hulless barley varieties. Results suggest that the folate content could be naturally enhanced by introducing grain pearling fractions into cereal food products