folic acid

Folic acid is a B-vitamin the body needs to produce new cells, including blood cells. A deficiency can lead to a form of anemia and fatigue. In some treatments, such as certain types of chemotherapy, folic acid is given separately because the medication can interfere with its absorption or action. A deficiency in folic acid can also develop in certain hereditary or chronic conditions. The term appears on this site in the explanation of blood values and when explaining why supplementing this vitamin sometimes forms part of treatment.