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

The panel recommended that statins be covered to prevent cardiovascular disease, as well as folic acid and aspirin for pregnant people and preventive medications for people at higher risk of breast cancer. —Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Hammersmith says adding fluoride to drinking water is just like adding vitamin D to milk, calcium to orange juice, iodine to salt, or folic acid to breads and cereals. —Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025

Maybe a little extra fiber to keep you regular or a little folic acid during pregnancy, as is often recommended. —Dylan Scott, Vox, 7 Mar. 2025

So, people who rely on specific nutrients like vitamin D for bone health or folic acid during pregnancy might want to use vitamins before their expiration date. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 21 Apr. 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