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

Experts recommend starting a daily prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid at least one month before pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects, and continuing it at least for the first trimester.45 Check with your OB-GYN for personalized advice. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026

Iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are important ingredients in production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026

Mushrooms are a great source of essential nutrients like Vitamin D, potassium and folic acid. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026

The new California law or Assembly Bill 1830 requires most tortillas and corn masa products sold to contain folic acid, a vitamin important to infant health, according to CalMatters. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado january 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 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