FOLIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Folic acid is a synthetic form of the water-soluble B vitamin called folate. It is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various biological processes within the body. Folic acid is primarily known for its significance in cell division, DNA synthesis, and the creation of red blood cells. It helps in the formation of genetic material (DNA and RNA) and aids in the production of proteins.
Furthermore, folic acid is vital for fetal development during pregnancy, as it aids in the proper formation of the neural tube, which later develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Insufficient levels of folic acid during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Hence, it is often recommended for pregnant women to take folic acid supplements to ensure the health and development of the fetus.
In addition, folic acid is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and folic acid helps reduce these levels, thereby promoting heart health.
Foods rich in folic acid include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes, fortified cereals, and liver. However, due to its importance and the potential risk of deficiencies, folic acid supplements are commonly recommended to individuals who may not acquire adequate amounts through their diet, such as pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions, or those who consume alcohol excessively.
Common Misspellings for FOLIC ACID
- dolic acid
- volic acid
- golic acid
- tolic acid
- rolic acid
- filic acid
- fklic acid
- fllic acid
- fplic acid
- f0lic acid
- f9lic acid
- fokic acid
- fopic acid
- fooic acid
- foluc acid
- foljc acid
- folkc acid
- foloc acid
- fol9c acid
Etymology of FOLIC ACID
The word "folic" in "folic acid" is derived from the Latin word "folium", which means "leaf". This is because folic acid was first isolated from spinach leaves in 1941 by the scientist Lucy Wills. The term "folic" was chosen to reflect its natural source. "Acid" refers to the chemical compound's acidic nature.
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