folate

noun

fo·​late ˈfō-ˌlāt 

: 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

… pregnant women who consume generous amounts of folate decrease their risk of having babies born with spinal defects by about one-half. The best thing about folate is that it's found in a wide variety of foods …

—Mona R. Sutnick et al.

The naturally sweet root vegetables are good sources of both folate … and heart healthy fiber.

—Jennifer Fiedler

Note: Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, folate is naturally occurring while folic acid is synthetically produced. Because the chemical structure of folate is unstable, folic acid is typically used in nutritional supplements and fortified foods.

called also folacin

Examples of folate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heart Health As noted above, folate and homocysteine reduce the risk of heart disease, according to Slayton. — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026

Iceberg Lettuce While darker greens contain more of certain nutrients such as fiber, folate, and vitamin k, iceberg lettuce is more hydrating. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2026

Research shows people who eat chickpeas and hummus regularly have higher intakes of fiber, folate, potassium and iron than people who don't, and better overall diet quality scores. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Others were more concerning, such as declines in folate and iodine levels. — Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

folate

noun

fo·​late ˈfō-ˌlāt 

: 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 especially in green leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, dried beans, and mushrooms

It has been estimated that 10 to 60 percent of pregnant women are deficient in folate. If severe enough, this deficiency may be fatal. … Less severe deficiencies have been associated with major obstetric complications … and repeated miscarriages.

—Richard F. Branda et al., Science

Note: Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, folate is naturally occurring while folic acid is synthetically produced. Because the chemical structure of folate is unstable, folic acid is typically used in nutritional supplements and fortified foods.

called also folacin, vitamin B₉