Folic acid exerts important effects on hemapoiesis.
It is essential in the synthesis of the cell's nucleoproteins. As a consequence, deficiency of folic acid leads to damage in those tissues in which DNA synthesis and turnover are rapid. This includes the hematopoietic tissues, the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and the developing embryo. Furthermore, high concentrations of iron during the tablet's passage through the stomach and upper small intestine are avoided thus minimizing the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. Oral iron preparations may aggravate existing peptic ulcer, regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis.