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

For instance, some B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) and iron are added back, but fiber is not. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026

Making sustainable changes toward healthier diet and exercise, adding in folic acid, and stopping smoking is helpful for most people. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Fortification helps make nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and folic acid more readily available in a quick, convenient, and budget-friendly way. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 10 June 2026

Top multivitamin for women This blend includes vitamins A, C, D, E, biotin and folic acid, the perfect combination for a healthy female body. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin folium

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for folic acid

• antacid
• placid

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