folate

[foh-leyt]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. folic acid.

2. a salt or ester of folic acid.

Word History and Origins

Origin of folate¹

First recorded in 1940–1945; fol(ic acid) + -ate ²

Example Sentences

The Autism Science Foundation says that low folate levels during early pregnancy have been linked in some studies to an increased risk of autism in children, though the findings are not consistent.

From BBC

In pregnancy, women are recommended to take prenatal vitamins to ensure the body gets the right amount of folate, Omega-3 oils, and choline, among other vitamins like iron, vitamin D, and calcium.

From Salon

Under these conditions, the researchers found the folate biosynthetic enzyme FolE2 to be conditionally essential, an enzyme that's not widely found in bacteria and that, ironically, makes it easy to exploit.

From Science Daily

The study also found that folate use during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy was associated with better cognitive and behavioral outcomes, even at higher doses.

From Science Daily

Expectant mothers and women trying to conceive should continue to take supplementary folic acid - the synthetic version of the vitamin folate - as currently advised by medical practioners.

From BBC