PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid)
IMPORTANCE: Aids healthy bacteria in producing folic acid;
aids in the formation of red blood cells; contains sun screening properties;
aids in the assimilation of Pantothenic acid; returns hair to its natural
color.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May cause extreme fatigue, eczema,
irritability, depressions, nervousness, constipation, headaches, digestive
disorders, hair turning prematurely gray.
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para-amino benzoic acid
(PABA) |
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| Essential growth factor for
micro-organisms. It forms part of the molecule of
folic acid
and is therefore required for the synthesis of this vitamin. Mammals cannot
synthesize folic acid, and PABA has no other known function; there is no
evidence that it is a human dietary requirement.
Sulphanilamides (sulpha drugs) are chemical analogues
of PABA, and exert their antibacterial action by antagonizing PABA
utilization.
Source
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PABA |
Description: Para-aminobenzoic
acid (PABA) is a
B
Complex vitamin that is synthesized in the body. PABA is used in the
formation of
Folic
Acid and the metabolism of protein. It is an
antioxidant that helps to protect skin from sunburn and cancer.
PABA supplementation may help return gray hair to its original color if
the change was caused by either stress or a nutritional deficiency.
PABA deficiency is often caused by sulfa drugs.
PABA supplementation appears to increase the ability of some infertile
women to become pregnant.1
Natural Sources:
Kidney, Liver, Molasses, Whole Grains.
Useful in treatment
of:
Female Infertility.
Recommended Dosage:
Not established.
Contraindications:
None. |
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Also indexed as: Para-aminobenzoic Acid
What does it do? PABA is the abbreviation for
para-aminobenzoic acid, a compound that is an essential nutrient for
microorganisms and some animals, but has not been shown to be essential for
people. PABA is considered by some to be a member of the
vitamin
B-complex, though its actions differ widely from other B vitamins. PABA
has been reported to enhance the effects of cortisone.
1 It may also
prevent or even reverse accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue.
The most well-known property of PABA is as an effective sunscreen, when
used topically. Oral PABA supplementation has not been shown to possess any
sunscreening properties.2
An isolated trial published in 1942 reported that 12 of 16
infertile women were able to become
pregnant
after supplementing with 100 mg of PABA taken four times per day for three to
seven months.3 The effect of PABA on fertility has not been studied
in modern research.
Researchers have attempted to discover whether large amounts of PABA would
be helpful in various connective tissue disorders. Although preliminary
studies have reported that PABA (12 grams per day) was helpful to people with
scleroderma,4 5 6 a double-blind trial found
that supplementation with PABA did not lead to improvement.7
Older published reports of uncontrolled investigations suggest that PABA
may be helpful in a variety of conditions, including dermatomyositis,8
Peyronie’s disease (accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue in the penis),9
pemphigus (a severe blistering disease),10 and
vitiligo (a
disorder in which patches of skin lose their pigmentation).11
However, PABA was reported to cause vitiligo in one report.12
Older preliminary reports found that PABA darkened gray hair in a minority
of elderly (but not younger) people.13 In these trials between 200
and 600 mg of PABA was taken per day for several months, in some cases
accompanied by other
B
vitamins. However, at least one other study found that PABA did not darken
gray hair.14 Therefore, the evidence supporting the use of PABA as
a way to return gray hair to its original color remains very weak.
Where is it found? PABA is found in
grains and
foods of animal origin.
PABA has
been used in connection with the following conditions
(refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient? Deficiencies of
PABA have not been described in humans, and most nutritionists do not consider
it an essential nutrient.
Which form of PABA is best? PABA is available as
a nutritional supplement, but because it is mildly acidic, it can cause
stomach irritation when taken in large amounts. The potassium salt of PABA,
called Potaba®, which is available by prescription, tends to be better
tolerated.
How much is usually taken? Small amounts of PABA
are present in some
B-complex
vitamins and
multivitamin
formulas. The amount of PABA used in the studies described above ranged
from 300 mg to 12 grams per day. Anyone taking more than 400 mg of PABA per
day should consult a physician.
Are there any side effects or interactions? No
serious side effects have been reported with 300–400 mg per day. Larger
amounts (such as 8 grams per day or more) may cause
low blood
sugar, rash, fever, and (on rare occasions) liver damage.
15 One
report exists of
vitiligo
appearing after ingestion of large amounts of PABA
16 and use of
amounts over 20 grams per day in small children has resulted in deaths.
17
There is also a report of a death from toxic
hepatitis
in a person with
lupus, who took as much as 48 grams per day for six days, followed by 8
grams per day for seven months.
18
No interactions between PABA and other nutrients have been reported.
However, PABA interferes with sulfa drugs (a class of
antibiotics)
and therefore should not be taken when these medications are being used.
Are there any drug interactions? Certain
medications may interact with PABA. Refer to the
drug
interactions safety check for a list of those medications.
Reliable and relatively consistent
scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or
preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.