folic acid

fo·lic acid

noun \ˌfō-lik-\

Definition of FOLIC ACID

: a crystalline vitamin C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆ of the B complex that is used especially in the treatment of nutritional anemias —called also pteroylglutamic acid

Origin of FOLIC ACID

Latin folium

First Known Use: 1941

fo·lic acid

noun \ˌfō-lik-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FOLIC ACID

: 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

folic acid

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Organic compound essential to animal growth and health and needed by bacteria as a growth factor. Part of the vitamin B complex, folic acid is necessary for synthesis of nucleic acids and formation of the heme component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. To prevent neural tube defects in babies, it should ideally be taken by women starting at least a month before conception. Dietary folate sources include leafy and dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, cereals, beans, poultry, and egg yolks, but free folic acid is available only in supplements. Low intake leads to folic acid deficiency anemia.

Variants of FOLIC ACID

folic acid or folate