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

Derived 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

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

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 • Nov. 14, 2024

Green grass has large quantities of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and folic acid.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan