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

An unpublished study found that the United States is heavily dependent on China for the supplies of three essential vitamins: folic acid, or B9; niacinamide, or B3; and biotin, or B7. —Willy C. Shih veronica Chua, Harvard Business Review, 26 Nov. 2024

For example, pregnant women often need iron supplements and folic acid (a B vitamin). —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 31 Oct. 2024

These have a tasty strawberry flavor and are packed with biotin, folic acid, and a slew of vitamins and minerals to support the body’s production of collagen and a healthy scalp. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024

Doctors instructed the man to take 1,000 milligrams of the nutrient each day, plus a vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid and a multivitamin. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 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