folic acid

noun

fo·​lic acid ˈfō-lik- 

: a crystalline vitamin C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆ of the B complex that is required for normal production of red blood cells, is used especially in the treatment of nutritional anemias, and occurs chiefly in green leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, dried beans, and mushrooms

called also pteroylglutamic acid

Examples of folic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Taking folic acid in the first trimester of pregnancy is critical in preventing neural tube defects in the fetus. —Omer Awan, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

To reach that threshold, people who are pregnant or trying to conceive can take a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid along with other micronutrients, Manson says. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024

Other uses of folic acid supplementation require further study. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 16 July 2024

While continuing to use them while breastfeeding is common, doses may exceed your necessary iron and folic acid levels. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin folium

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

folic acid

noun

fo·​lic acid ˌfō-lik- 

: a crystalline vitamin of the B complex used especially in the treatment of anemia resulting from inadequate intake of nutrients

Medical Definition

folic acid

noun

fo·​lic acid ˌfō-lik- 

: a crystalline vitamin C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆ of the B complex that is required for normal production of red blood cells, that is used especially in the treatment of nutritional anemias, and that occurs especially in green leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, dried beans, and mushrooms

called also folacin, folate, Lactobacillus casei factor, pteroylglutamic acid, vitamin B_c, vitamin M