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.xH2O. 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.

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.

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