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

This is because recent research shows that more people than originally thought may have difficulty converting folic acid to methylfolate, and unmetabolized folic acid in the body may carry some risks. —Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024

For these reasons, the CDC recommends that all women of reproductive age consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024

This form is better absorbed and utilized in the body, particularly for those with the MTHFR gene variants, which may inhibit the conversion process of folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) to active folate. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024

Consider multivitamin supplements: Many multivitamins contain both iron and ascorbic acid along with other essential nutrients like folic acid and vitamin B12. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023

Despite concerns raised by the report, ACOG and other health experts still recommend pregnant people take a daily prenatal vitamin, particularly one with folic acid, which reduces the risk of birth defects in the brain and spine. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2024

Back home in Wala, her N100 ($0.11) hospital card had entitled her to free folic acid as well as other resources while pregnant. —Adie Vanessa Offiong, CNN, 29 Nov. 2023

And while continuing to use them while breastfeeding is common, doses may exceed your necessary iron and folic acid levels. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2023

Harris-Pincus explained that fortified foods can contain several vitamins and minerals that sound like chemicals but are important to public health, such as folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects in pregnancy. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Health, 3 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin folium

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

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