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folic acid (foŽlik)   a water-soluble vitamin of the vitamin B complex, involved in the synthesis of amino acids and DNA. Green vegetables, liver, and yeast are major food sources, and folic acid can also be produced synthetically. Deficiency of the vitamin (leading to megaloblastic anemia) may result from inability of a person's body to use the vitamin. Because of the important role of folate in prevention of neural tube defects in fetuses, it is now recommended that folate supplements be taken by women before and during pregnancy.




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