folic acid

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a water-soluble vitamin that is converted to a coenzyme essential to purine and thymine biosynthesis: deficiency causes a form of anemia.

---

folic acid British  

/ ˈfɒl-, ˈfəʊleɪt, ˈfəʊlɪk /

noun

1. Also called: folacin.  any of a group of vitamins of the B complex, including pteroylglutamic acid and its derivatives: used in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia

---

folic acid Scientific  

/ fō′lĭk,fŏl′ĭk /

1. A water-soluble vitamin belonging to the vitamin B complex that is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and important in embryonic development. It is also the parent compound of coenzymes in various metabolic reactions. Folic acid is found especially in green leafy vegetables, liver, and fresh fruit. Deficiency of folic acid in the diet results in anemia. Chemical formula: C ₁₉ H ₁₉ N ₇ O ₆ .

---

Other Word Forms

• folate noun

Etymology

Origin of folic acid

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Some vitamins, such as folic acid, can discolor urine and lead to inaccurate results.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

Some research has shown that unlike regular folic acid, folinic acid can more easily cross the blood brain barrier and address a deficiency of the vitamin.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025

The EPA also began canceling grants, including one it had given to Schmidt, the researcher who studied the protective effect of folic acid.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2025

High doses at or above 4 mg per day did not have adverse effects, which contrasts with prior studies that found long-term risks associated with high doses of folic acid.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

When things had felt so out of control, all Grace could do was make sure she was healthy, so she had learned about antioxidants and omega-3s and folic acid.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway