Folic acid is widely used in dietary supplements and fortified foods to prevent folate deficiency, which can lead to anemia and developmental issues. It plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and cell division, making it especially important during periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy and infancy. Supplementation with folic acid is recommended for women before conception and during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in newborns. It is also used in combination with other B vitamins to support cardiovascular health by helping regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. In clinical settings, folic acid may be prescribed to treat certain types of megaloblastic anemia and to support patients undergoing treatment with certain medications that interfere with folate metabolism, such as methotrexate.