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

Some deficiencies associated with hair loss or breakage include niacin, iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins D, E, and A. Try fatty acid supplements like omega 3 and omega 6, which may help with female pattern baldness. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2024

Cherries are also high in folic acid, which is a form of folate. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2024

Sulfonamides do this by blocking bacteria's ability to create folic acid. —Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

For example, one softgel per day has 800 mcg of folic acid, 1,000 IU of vitamin D, and 100% of daily pregnancy iron needs. —Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Parents, 6 May 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