folic acid

noun

fo·​lic acid ˈfō-lik- 

: a synthetic form of folate

… the cereals in the grain group should be fortified with extra nutrients, especially B vitamins like folic acid …

—Jane E. Brody

Take a standard prenatal vitamin supplement that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid …

—Heidi E. Murkoff et al.

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 pteroylglutamic acid

Examples of folic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prenatal multivitamins containing folic acid, iron, and other key nutrients are vital for a healthy pregnancy and reducing the risk of congenital disorders. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026

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

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 synthetic form of folate

Periconceptional use of multivitamins containing folic acid reduces the risk for neural tube defects and may reduce the risk for other birth defects.

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

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 pteroylglutamic acid, vitamin B₉