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Is iron folic acid the same: Folic Acid Or Iron – Is Folic Acid And Iron Same ? A Pharmacist

What is the Difference Between Ferrous Sulphate and Folic Acid

The key difference between ferrous sulphate and folic acid is that ferrous sulphate is a type of iron that is useful in treating and preventing iron deficiency anemia, whereas folic acid is a type of vitamin B that is useful in treating and preventing folate deficiency anemia.

Ferrous sulfate can be defined as a type of iron supplement consisting of a range of salts. Folic acid is a type of vitamin B, which is also known as folate.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Ferrous Sulphate
3. What is Folic Acid
4. Ferrous Sulphate vs Folic Acid in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Ferrous Sulphate vs Folic Acid 

What is Ferrous Sulphate?

Ferrous sulphate is a type of iron supplement consisting of a range of salts, and this compound has the chemical formula FeSO4.xh3O. It is important in preventing low levels of iron in the blood. Typically, it exists in the heptahydrate form. Ferrous sulphate has a blue-green appearance. It has several medicinal applications as well as industrial uses.

Figure 01: Anhydrous Ferrous Sulphate

When considering the production of this compound, ferrous sulphate forms as a byproduct during the finishing of steel, prior to plating or coating. In this process, the steel sheet passes through pickling baths of sulfuric, where the ferrous sulfate formation occurs. Furthermore, ferrous sulphate can form in large amounts during the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite using the sulfate process.

As a medication, physicians often recommend ferrous sulphate for iron deficiency though it is not the best option. It is less absorbed and is toxic. Furthermore, it can cause a number of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and constipation.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is also named as folate, pteroyl-L-glutamic acid, Vitamin B9 or Vitamin Bc. It is a type of vitamin B, and the name folic acid, or folate, was derived from a Latin word called folium. Folic acid has the meaning of ‘leaf’, and it is rich in vegetables having dark green leaves. This substance helps our body to produce and maintain healthy new cells and prevents changes to DNA that may lead to cancers. Folic acid is a very important drug for women during pregnancy. Getting a sufficient amount of folic acid during the pregnancy period prevents major defects in newborn babies’ brains or spines. To treat pernicious anemia, folic acid is sometimes used with a combination of the other drugs.

Figure 02: The Chemical Structure of Folic Acid

It is necessary to consult your doctor when you take folic acid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Moreover, folic acid should not be consumed if you are suffering from an infection, pernicious anemia, hemolytic anemia, anemia, kidney disease, or alcoholism. You should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and should take the prescribed dosage. It is said that having folic acid with a full glass of water is good. Storage conditions for folic acid are at room temperature and in a place where there is no moisture and heat.

What is the Difference Between Ferrous Sulphate and Folic Acid?

Ferrous sulphate and folic acid are important supplements. The key difference between ferrous sulphate and folic acid is that ferrous sulphate is a type of iron that is important to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia, whereas folic acid is a type of vitamin B that is important to treat and prevent folate deficiency anemia. Moreover, ferrous sulphate appears as red, green, or white tablets, while folic acid usually appears as yellow uncoated tablets.

The below infographic presents the differences between ferrous sulphate and folic acid in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Ferrous Sulphate vs Folic Acid

Ferrous sulfate can be defined as a type of iron supplement consisting of a range of salts. Folic acid is a type of vitamin B which is also known as folate. The key difference between ferrous sulphate and folic acid is that ferrous sulphate is a type of iron that is important to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia, whereas folic acid is a type of vitamin B that is important to treat and prevent folate deficiency anemia.

Reference:

1. “What Is Folate.” NHS Choices, NHS.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Síran železnatý” By Ondřej Mangl – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Folic acid” By Calvero. – Selfmade with ChemDraw. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

Ferrous Sulfate vs Folic Acid Comparison

Ferrous Sulfate vs Folic Acid Comparison – Drugs.com
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Prescription and OTC

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that may be used to prevent or treat iron-deficiency anemia. Gastrointestinal side effects are common. Prescribed for Iron Deficiency Anemia, Anemia Associated…
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</p> <p> folic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this comparison guide. </p> ”>
Prescription and OTC

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (also called vitamin B9) which is necessary for proper growth and development and several other vital bodily processes. All women of child-bearing age…
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Ferrous sulfate

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Folic acid

Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Ratings & Reviews

Ferrous sulfate has an average rating of
5. 4 out of 10 from a total of
42 ratings on Drugs.com.
38% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 38% reported a negative effect.

Folic acid has an average rating of
5.3 out of 10 from a total of
9 ratings on Drugs.com.
43% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 29% reported a negative effect.

View all 42 reviews

View all 9 reviews

Drug Class
  • Iron products
  • Vitamins
Side Effects

See also: ferrous sulfate side effects in more detail.

See also: folic acid side effects in more detail.

Pricing and Coupons
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Quantity50 each
Dosage1 mg
Per Unit*$0.21
Cost*$10.66

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Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Injectable solution
  • Oral tablet
Half Life
The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

N/A

N/A

CSA Schedule **
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Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 86 drugs are known to interact with ferrous sulfate:

  • 3 major drug interactions (8 brand and generic names)
  • 75 moderate drug interactions (435 brand and generic names)
  • 8 minor drug interactions (29 brand and generic names)

A total of 35 drugs are known to interact with folic acid:

  • 3 major drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)
  • 31 moderate drug interactions (168 brand and generic names)
  • 1 minor drug interactions (4 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Food may reduce the absorption and blood levels of ferrous sulfate. In addition, some oral…
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  • Talk to your doctor before using alcohol together with folic acid. Excessive consumption of…
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Disease Interactions
  • Hemoglobin abnormalities
  • Achlorhydria
  • Gastrointestinal irritation
  • Anemia
First Approval Date

N/A

June 02, 1947

WADA Class
View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

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Medical Disclaimer

Vitamins and pregnancy – articles from the specialists of the clinic “Mother and Child”

Kurbatskaya Olga Nikolaevna

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Lapino-1 Clinical Hospital “Mother and Child”

One of the most common questions that pregnant women ask their doctor is what vitamins should I take during pregnancy? Let’s say right away whether expectant mothers need to drink pharmaceutical vitamins or not – there is no unequivocal answer to this question. Some doctors believe that the necessary nutrients should be obtained from natural products. Others are in favor of taking pharmaceutical multivitamins. It can only be said unequivocally that vitamins and microelements must necessarily enter the body of a pregnant woman. We will tell you which of them are most important for the expectant mother.

Folic acid

Other names for this vitamin are vitamin B 9 or B with . This vitamin is necessary for cell division and reproduction, so it is especially important in the first trimester of pregnancy, when all organs and systems of the child are being laid. Folic acid plays an important role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, and with its deficiency, anemia can develop. And folic acid also helps to reduce the likelihood of spinal defects in a child, takes care of the correct formation of his psyche and intellect. It is better to start taking folic acid three months before the planned conception, since a small supply of this vitamin will only be useful for both the expectant mother and the baby. If the pregnancy has come unplanned, then folic acid must be taken as soon as the woman finds out about her situation. On average, the dosage of this vitamin is from 0.4 to 0.8 mg per day.

Calcium

An expectant mother needs about 1200–1400 mg of calcium daily, while an ordinary woman needs 800–1000 mg of this trace element. Why? During pregnancy, the amount of calcium in the body of the expectant mother is significantly reduced, since it is also spent on the growth and development of the child. Especially a lot of calcium is needed in the third trimester, when the baby’s skeleton is calcified. But calcium is needed not only for the growth of bones and teeth of a child – with its help, his nervous system, his heart, muscles, skin tissues, eyes, ears, hair and nails are formed. A pregnant woman needs calcium for the full functioning of the kidneys, the prevention of muscle pain, constipation, osteoporosis, caries and toxicosis. In addition, this trace element protects the expectant mother from stress and nervous overload.

Vitamin E

This vitamin is involved in the process of tissue respiration, it helps oxygen to penetrate into every cell of the body. At the same time, vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant: it protects cells from the formation of free radicals that can provoke various diseases. This protective function is especially important at the stage of embryo formation. In addition, vitamin E helps to normalize the hormonal balance of the body. In the early stages, it participates in the formation of the placenta, and also protects against abortion. The dose of vitamin E during pregnancy is 15 mg.

Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, not less than this vitamin in lettuce, tomatoes, rose hips, parsley, spinach and peas. Some vitamin E is found in meat, eggs and milk.

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in all metabolic processes, helps to cope with stress, normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system and blood pressure, and keeps blood vessels in good shape. Due to a lack of magnesium in the body, cramps in the muscles (usually in the calves) may appear. And since the uterus is also a muscular organ, with a lack of magnesium during pregnancy during gestation, the excitability of the myometrium increases, which leads to active uterine contractions. Therefore, with hypertension and the threat of abortion, magnesium is often prescribed.

Magnesium is rich in whole grains and whole grain breads, figs, almonds, seeds, dark green vegetables, and bananas.

iodine

Iodine is usually prescribed for pregnant women in the first trimester. Up to 16 weeks of pregnancy, the development of the child and the laying of all its organs and systems are “under the protection” of the mother’s thyroid gland. And if a woman has little iodine, then this means that some system or organ of the baby may suffer. And even when the child’s own thyroid gland is formed and starts working, she can still take iodine only from the mother’s body. Its daily dose is 250 mg per day.

Iodine is easiest to get from seafood and sea or iodized salt. A lot of iodine is found in sea fish, seaweed, squid, persimmon, feijoa, dates, dried figs, dairy products and meat. However, iodine is destroyed by temperature effects, which means that after heat treatment, the amount of iodine in the products decreases sharply.

Iron

Iron is necessary primarily for the prevention of anemia. After all, it is part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body of the mother and child. In addition, iron is involved in protein synthesis, which is involved in the formation of muscle tissue. And iron deficiency can lead to increased uterine tone. The average daily dosage of iron is 30–60 mg. In some cases, if the woman’s iron supply was initially reduced, the dosage may be higher.

Iron is found in meat, especially a lot of it in veal, turkey, hare, pork and beef. There is iron in plant foods, but from there it is absorbed much worse. Iron is best absorbed when taken together with vitamin C.

If a pregnant woman eats properly and varied, eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, then she may not need an additional complex of vitamins for pregnant women. It may be necessary to drink some vitamins separately, but this should be determined by the doctor. If, before pregnancy, a woman had signs of vitamin deficiency, she eats incorrectly or poorly, then multivitamins cannot be dispensed with.

Inset

Vitamin B 9 (folic acid) is found in animal liver, spinach, asparagus, lentils, Brussels sprouts, beans and wholemeal flour. However, it is absorbed very poorly from food, no more than 50%. That is why it is prescribed to almost all pregnant women.

At one time, our body will not be able to absorb more than 500 mg of calcium. Therefore, you should not try to get the entire daily norm of this trace element in one meal. Try to eat foods containing calcium in small portions several times a day.

To increase the concentration of magnesium in tissues, vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine) is needed, which facilitates its absorption and acts as a conductor of magnesium into the cell. Therefore, magnesium and vitamin B 6 are often prescribed together.

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vitamin-mineral complex, created taking into account the peculiarities of the national diet

Dietary supplement “Complivit®” – a vitamin-mineral complex, created taking into account the nutritional physiological needs of the population of the Russian Federation, helps to compensate for the deficiency of the most important vitamins and minerals.

Complivit® contains vitamins and minerals in doses not exceeding acceptable intake levels, suitable for course use.

Compatibility of components in 1 tablet is ensured by a special technology of separate granulation.

Composition

11 vitamins, 8 minerals + rutin and lipoic acid

Field of application

Food supplement Complivit® is an additional source of vitamins A, E, C, group B (B1, B2, B3, B5 , B6, B12, folic acid, biotin), mineral elements (iron, manganese, copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium), a source of rutin and lipoic acid.

The components are necessary for good health, support the immune system, reduce the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, are useful for supporting the body during physical and mental stress, to reduce the impact of external negative factors on the body, to increase the body’s defenses.

Suggested Use

Adults and children over 15 years of age, 1 tablet daily with food. Duration of admission – 1 month

Composition

Vitamin A is an antioxidant, necessary for the immune defense of the body, increases the barrier function of the mucous membranes, increases the activity of nonspecific immunity factors. Vitamin A is involved in increasing the body’s resistance to infections, accelerates skin regeneration.

Participates in the synthesis of visual pigments and the perception of light by the eye, is necessary for twilight and color vision; ensures the integrity of the mucous membranes; plays an important role in the formation of bones and teeth.

Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties, increases the protective properties of the body, slows down cell aging.

Necessary for the functioning of the male and female reproductive systems, has a positive effect on the endocrine, nervous and cardiovascular systems. With a lack of vitamin E in the body, the susceptibility to infectious diseases, the risk of inflammatory processes and premature skin aging increase; there is muscle weakness.

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties. Strengthens the immune system, helping to increase the body’s resistance to infections. Participates in the processes of blood clotting, tissue regeneration, the synthesis of steroid hormones; reduces vascular permeability. Helps maintain healthy skin, improves iron absorption. Participates in the formation and maintenance of the structure and function of cartilage, bones, teeth; in the synthesis of collagen; affects the formation of hemoglobin, strengthens the walls of capillaries.

Vitamin B1 is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, in the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, in enhancing the immune defense.

Insufficiency of vitamin B1 in the body is characterized by impaired functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, rapid physical and mental fatigue, memory impairment.

Vitamin B2 is involved in the processes of tissue respiration, in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It is part of visual purple, protecting the retina from exposure to UV radiation; participates in providing light and color vision (along with vitamin A), increases dark adaptation; plays an important role in iron metabolism. With a lack of vitamin B2, the appearance of cracks on the lips and in the corners of the mouth, conjunctivitis is characteristic.

Vitamin B3 is involved in tissue respiration, fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin B3 deficiency in the body is characterized by stool disorders, dermatitis and mental disorders.

Vitamin B5 is involved in the processes of oxidation and biosynthesis of fatty acids, sterols. It is of great importance for growth processes; contributes to the construction, regeneration of the skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin B5 deficiency can manifest itself with dermatitis, gastrointestinal disorders, muscle weakness, disorders of the cardiovascular system, lesions of small arteries and numbness of the feet.

Vitamin B6 is responsible for our mood and performance, plays an important role in metabolism, participates in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, is necessary for the normal functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, participates in the synthesis of hemoglobin.

Folic acid (B9) takes part in the synthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, nucleic acids; necessary for the processes of hematopoiesis, the functioning of nerve cells, improves the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Vitamin B12 is involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, is an important factor in normal growth, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, hematopoiesis, and is necessary for the functioning of the central nervous system. Vitamin B12 and folic acid help reduce the risk of anemia and chronic fatigue.

Biotin plays an important role in maintaining optimal metabolism in the skin, hair and nails. Insufficient intake of biotin in the body leads to hair loss, skin peeling, increased fatigue. Participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Biotin helps to normalize blood glucose levels.

Rutin – flavonoid, has antioxidant properties, prevents the oxidation of ascorbic acid, reduces vascular permeability. Rutin and vitamin C together strengthen the vascular wall, reduce capillary fragility.

Lipoic acid is involved in the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids, has a lipotropic effect, affects cholesterol metabolism, promotes detoxification of the body, supports and improves liver function. Has antioxidant properties.

Selenium has an antioxidant effect, reduces the impact on the body of external negative factors (unfavorable environment, stress, smoking, chemical carcinogens, radiation) that can enhance the formation of free radicals that destroy cell membranes; has a protective effect when heavy metals enter the body; Helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. In combination with vitamins A, E and C, it improves the adaptive characteristics of the body under the influence of extreme factors, and helps to strengthen the immune system.

Iron supports the functioning of the immune system, helping the body fight infections, takes part in tissue growth, participates in the formation of red blood cells, as part of hemoglobin, provides oxygen transport to tissues. Iron deficiency increases the risk of developing anemia, exacerbates the state of chronic fatigue.

Manganese participates in immune reactions, in tissue respiration, is necessary for normal growth, metabolism, bone tissue development processes (osteogenesis). It is part of many enzymes, strengthens bone and cartilage tissue.

Copper contributes to the antioxidant protection of cells, participates in the synthesis of collagen, prevents anemia and oxygen starvation of organs and tissues, helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Zinc strengthens the immune system, increases the body’s resistance to infections, improves the protective ability of the immune system. Promotes the absorption of vitamin A, skin regeneration and hair growth. Needed to support reproductive function, normal hematopoiesis.

Magnesium is involved in many enzymatic reactions, reduces the excitability of nerve cells. Magnesium is involved in the formation of muscle and bone tissue, as well as in protein synthesis and energy metabolism. Facilitates manifestations of nervous tension, prevents convulsive muscle contraction.

Calcium is necessary for the formation of bone substance, the process of transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of muscle tissue, normal blood clotting.