Is Folic Acid the Same As Iron?

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.