Mechanism for Inhibition of Folic Acid Photodecomposition by Various Antioxidants

Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential during periods of rapid cell division and growth. However, it decomposes upon ultraviolet irradiation to form inactive photoproducts. In this study, the protective effect and mechanisms of antioxidants, including cinnamic acids, flavonoids, catechol and its derivatives, stilbenes, p-benzoquinone and its derivatives, isoprenoids, curcumin, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, against folic acid photodecomposition were investigated by using fluorescence and absorbance spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and antioxidant assay. It was found that antioxidants could inhibit or delay the folic acid decomposition in varying degrees, among which caffeic acid was the most effective. The increase in its remarkable antioxidant efficiency and absorbance in the UVA region during irradiation contributed to its effective protection. This finding could be useful for the protection of photolabile components in food and other uses.