Folic acid is used in the treatment and prevention of the folate deficiency state. It does not correct folate deficiency due to dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors. Folic acid is also used in women of childbearing potential and pregnant women to protect against neural tube defects in their offspring. It is also used for the treatment of folate-deficient megaloblastic anaemia, chronic heamolytic states such as thalassaemia major or sickle-cell anaemia.