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

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

Supplements such as zinc, folic acid, and antioxidants like vitamin E are also believed to boost male fertility. —Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

The most common causes include Kawasaki disease, scarlet fever, toxic shock syndrome, and vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Antacids Antacids that contain aluminum and/or magnesium hydroxide may decrease the ability to absorb iron or folic acid. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 21 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