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

These have a tasty strawberry flavor and are packed with biotin, folic acid, and a slew of vitamins and minerals to support the body’s production of collagen and a healthy scalp. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025

There is no credible scientific evidence that acetaminophen causes autism or that leucovorin (a derivative of folic acid) can prevent the disorder, as the HHS report purportedly will suggest, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 6 Sep. 2025

Doctors recommend that people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant take folic acid, the synthetic version of folate. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025

The researchers looked at 209 trials investigating magnesium, folic acid, cinnamon, vitamin C, prebiotics, and dozens of other supplements. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 July 2025

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