Folic acid is found in foods (such as liver, dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, asparagus, beet, spinach, etc.), mainly as reduced folate polyglutamate. Synthetic folic acid taken orally is a monoglutamate and is absorbed completely after use, even in presence of malabsorption syndrome. Normal serum levels of the general folic acid range from 5 to 15 ng/mL. In general, serum levels < 5 ng/mL indicate deficiency of folic acid, while levels < 2 ng/mL usually lead to megaloblastic anemia.
Folic acid is used in the treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to insufficient folic acid (which can be displayed from malnutrition, pregnancy, antiepileptic drugs etc.)
Folic acid is used for the prevention of folate deficiency state.