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

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

Famine and food shortages in Gaza mean pregnant women are not getting enough folate, iron, vitamin B12 and iodine.

From Salon

A: Folic acid is the supplement form of folate.

From Seattle Times

Though some have a genetic basis, at least half are caused by a folate deficiency, and a key 1991 Lancet study showed that 72% of neural tube defects could be prevented with folic acid supplementation.

From Seattle Times

"We now know folic acid fortification of iodized salt can prevent folate deficiency that causes spina bifida," says Godfrey Oakley Jr., MD, director of the Center for Spina Bifida Prevention at Rollins.

From Science Daily