Is folic acid the same as iron?

Folic acid and iron are not the same thing. Iron is a mineral found in foods such as beans, liver and fortified breakfast cereals. Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is found in grains, fruits and vegetables.

Folic acid helps the human body make DNA and produce new cells. People who do not consume enough folate may develop megaloblastic anemia. In women, a folic acid deficiency also increases risk of giving birth to children with neural tube defects. Iron is an important part of hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Lack of iron may cause iron-deficiency anemia.