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Folic acid or folate is a B vitamin. It is also referred to as vitamin M, vitamin B9, vitamin Bc (or folacin), pteroyl-L-glutamic acid, and pteroyl-L-glutamate.hildren and adults both require folate to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia. Folate and folic acid derive their names from the Latin word folium, which means leaf. Folates occur naturally in many foods and, among plants, are especially plentiful in dark green leafy vegetables.
Folic acid is a part of the B complex of vitamins. It is vital for red blood cells and for many other cells in the body. The form of folic acid occurring naturally in food is â¦ called 'folate'.  Functions of folic acidFolic acid, along with vitamin B12, is important for formation of red blood cells.olic acid is a part of the B complex of vitamins. It is vital for red blood cells and for many other cells in the body. The form of folic acid occurring naturally in food is â¦ called 'folate'.