folic acid

Pronunciation: fō′lik as′id

Definition:

1. A collective term for pteroylglutamic acids and their oligoglutamic acid conjugates. N-[p-[[(2-Amino-4-hydroxypteridin-6- yl)methyl]amino]benzoyl]-L(+)-glutamic acid; specifically, pteroylmonoglutamic acid.
2. The growth factor for Lactobacillus casei, and a member of the vitamin B complex necessary for the normal production of red blood cells. It is a hemopoietic vitamin present, with or without l-(+)-glutamic acid moieties, in peptide linkages in liver, green vegetables, and yeast; used to treat folate deficiency and megaloblastic anemia, and to assist in lowering homocysteine levels.

Synonym(s): Lactobacillus casei factor, liver Lactobacillus casei factor, pteroylmonoglutamic acid

[L. folium, leaf, + -ic]

See Also: homocysteine

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