Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, called folic acid because it was originally obtained from spinach leaves. Folic acid is a key player in placenta formation, normal development, and intellectual health. Deficiency of folic acid can cause megaloblastic anemia as well as leukopenia, which is especially important for mothers-to-be. Folic acid supplementation of 400 mcg/day is recommended starting 3 months prior to conception. It is important to note that the above supplemental dose refers to the intake of synthetic folic acid supplements or fortification and does not include food. In addition, excessive intake of folic acid can interfere with the absorption of zinc. For all adults including pregnant women and lactating mothers, the tolerable maximum intake (UL) of synthetic folic acid preparations is 1000 mcg/day. How can you tell if someone has a mild, moderate, or severe folic acid utilization disorder? Who needs these programs? 1. women with low or high pregnancy age and twin pregnancies; 2. women who have had unexplained miscarriage, premature birth, malformed babies or even stillbirth; 3. women who prevent the occurrence of neural tube abnormalities before/in early pregnancy (0-12 weeks); 4. women who prevent the occurrence of hyperemesis and late onset miscarriage in mid pregnancy (13-27 weeks); 5. women who prevent megaloblastic anemia before/in early pregnancy (0-27 weeks) 5) women with megaloblastic anemia; 6) women with elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy>10umol/L); 7) women with a family history of congenital heart disease; 8) women with hypertension during pregnancy, a genetic history of hypertension, and women at risk for Down syndrome.