Category- Suppliments
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat iron deficiency anemia 2. To treat folate deficiency during pregnancy 3. To support overall blood health and immunity |
| Common side effects | 1. Constipation 2. Nausea 3. Vomiting 4. Stomach pain or cramps 5. Dark-colored stools |
| Additional Information | 1. Can be taken with or without food, but taking it after meals may help reduce stomach upset. 2. Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body. 3. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored in a cool and dry place 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Store the medicine at a temperature below 25°C |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Ferrous Ascorbate + Folic Acid Uses
This medicine comes under the category of iron and folate supplements. It is used to treat and relieve symptoms of the following conditions:
- Iron deficiency anemia (tiredness, weakness, pale skin)
- Folate deficiency during pregnancy
- Support overall blood health and immunity
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking medication without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
side effects
More Common
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Dark-colored stools
Less common
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
How Ferrous Ascorbate + Folic Acid works
Ferrous ascorbate + folic acid works by giving your body the iron and folic acid it needs to make healthy red blood cells. Iron is important because it helps carry oxygen in your blood, which gives you energy and keeps you from feeling tired or weak. Ascorbate (vitamin C) helps your body absorb iron better, so you get the maximum benefit. Folic acid is a type of vitamin (B9) that helps in the formation of red blood cells and is very important during pregnancy for the baby’s brain and spine development. Together, they treat anemia and improve your overall energy and health.
Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking ferrous ascorbate + folic acid with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Interaction with Food Product
Avoid taking this medicine with tea, coffee, alcohol, high-fiber foods, or oxalate-rich foods like spinach, beetroot, chocolate as they may reduce the absorption of this medication. Take the supplement with water and a balanced meal for the best results.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take ferrous ascorbate + folic acid exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
Ferrous Ascorbate
The RDA for ferrous ascorbate for adult is 30-100 mg, for pregnant women it is typically 27 to 30 mg per day, and for children, it varies by age, with young children needing about 7 to 10 mg per day and older children (9–13 years) is about 8 mg per day.
Folic Acid
The recommended dietary allowance for folic acid is 400 mcg. Pregnant women need 600 mcg folic acid daily, while children need 150–300 mcg depending on age.
Natural Source of Ferrous Ascorbate + Folic Acid
The following are the natural sources of ferrous ascorbate + folic acid listed in this medicine:
Ferrous Ascorbate
Found in red meat, poultry, and seafood, legumes (such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas), leafy green vegetables (like spinach and kale), fortified cereals and grains, dried fruits (such as raisins and apricots)
Folic Acid
Folic Acid is found in leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits.
Ferrous Ascorbate + Folic Acid Summary
Ferrous ascorbate + folic acid is a supplement that provides iron and folic acid to the body, mainly used to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia, especially in pregnant women, after surgery or blood loss, and in people with poor diet or chronic illness. It works by supplying iron, which helps make hemoglobin to carry oxygen in the blood, while ascorbate (vitamin C) improves iron absorption. Folic acid (vitamin B9) supports the production of healthy red blood cells and helps in the baby’s brain and spine development during pregnancy.
Common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dark stools, while less common effects include diarrhea, headache, metallic taste, and rare allergic reactions.
To avoid stomach upset, it is best taken after food, and you should avoid tea, coffee, and milk around the time of taking the tablet because they reduce iron absorption, while vitamin C-rich foods like oranges help improve it. Do not take more than prescribed, as an overdose can cause serious problems.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Ferrous ascorbate + folic acid tablets?
They are used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia, especially during pregnancy, after surgery or blood loss, and in people with poor diet or chronic illness. They also help relieve symptoms like tiredness, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath caused by low iron and folic acid levels.
What are the common side effects of Ferrous ascorbate?
Common side effects of ferrous ascorbate include constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dark stools.
In which foods is folic acid found?
Folic acid is found in spinach, methi (fenugreek leaves), broccoli, citrus fruits, and chana (chickpeas).
Can folic acid tablets be taken during pregnancy?
Yes. folic acid tablets are recommended during pregnancy to support the baby’s brain and spine development and to help prevent birth defects.
Which vitamin is called folic acid?
Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B9.
6. Can Ferrous ascorbate be taken during pregnancy?
Yes, it is commonly prescribed during pregnancy to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia and to support the baby’s brain and spinal cord development through folic acid.
Reference
- Ferrous Ascorbate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Many More [Internet]. CARE Hospitals. 2025 [cited 2025 Aug 29]. Available from
- Truemeds [Internet]. Truemeds.in. 2019 [cited 2025 Aug 29]. Available from
- ApolloPharmacy [Internet]. Apollopharmacy.in. 2019 [cited 2025 Aug 29]. Available from
- WebMD. Folic Acid: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning [Internet]. Webmd.com. 2009. Available from
- Entringer S. Folic Acid: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2021. Available from
- Ferrous ascorbate [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from
- Ferrous Ascorbate – Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions, Uses [Internet]. Yashoda Hospitals. 2016 [cited 2025 Aug 29]. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.