What is the Difference Between Ferrous Sulphate and Folic Acid?

Ferrous sulfate and folic acid are two distinct supplements that serve different purposes. The main differences between them are:

1. Chemical composition: Ferrous sulfate is a type of iron supplement, while folic acid (also known as vitamin B9 or folate) is a type of vitamin B.
2. Function: Ferrous sulfate is used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia, where the body does not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Folic acid, on the other hand, is essential for proper cell growth and development, and it is particularly important for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
3. Side effects: Gastrointestinal side effects are common with ferrous sulfate, while folic acid typically has fewer side effects.
4. Ratings: Ferrous sulfate has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 45 ratings on Drugs.com, with 37% of reviewers reporting a positive effect. Folic acid has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 9 ratings on Drugs.com, with 43% of reviewers reporting a positive effect.

In summary, ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia, while folic acid is a vitamin B essential for proper cell growth and development. They serve different functions and have different side effect profiles.

Comparative Table: Ferrous Sulphate vs Folic Acid

Here is a table comparing the differences between ferrous sulfate and folic acid:

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement used to prevent or treat low levels of iron in the blood, while folic acid is a vitamin B supplement used to treat and prevent folate deficiency. Both supplements are available in prescription and over-the-counter forms.