APA Dictionary of Psychology

a B vitamin found in green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits that is instrumental in the generation of new cells. Folic acid deficiency—which often co-occurs with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency—may result in megaloblastic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are abnormally large and unable to adequately diffuse oxygen throughout the body. Folic acid deficiency in pregnant mothers increases the risk of neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) in their offspring, but taking a folic acid supplement may reduce this risk by as much as 70%. Also called folate.