Potential effects of dietary folate supplementation on oral carcinogenesis, development and progression.

Folates are associated with a variety of human health benefits, while folate deficiency has been identified as a potential risk factor for many health problems and cancers, due to its role in dysregulation of DNA synthesis, repair and methylation. The US Food and Drug Administration adopted requirements for folate fortification in some food products, which has resulted in an increase in mean dietary folate intake and a concomitant reduction in the incidence of adverse health effects associated with folate deficiency. This includes a significant reduction in the incidence of folate deficiency-associated birth defects, such as spina bifida.