folic acid

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

/ ˈfɒl-; ˈfəʊleɪt; ˈfəʊlɪk /

noun

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

folic acid

/ 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 .

Derived Forms

• ˈfolate, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of folic acid¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Word History and Origins

Origin of folic acid¹

C20: from Latin folium leaf; so called because it may be obtained from green leaves

Example Sentences

The fortification of processed-grain foods like bread and cereal with folic acid has reduced neural-tube defects in newborns by over a third since it became mandatory in 1998.

From Outside Online

These may include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, B-complex vitamins, calcium, folic acid, and phosphorus.

From Popular-Science

Iron deficiency can cause anemia, as can vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.

From Project Gutenberg