General Description
PABA is an acronym for para-aminobenzoic acid. It is a pseudo-vitamin,
loosely classified as a member of the B-vitamin complex. It has
no known nutritional value for humans; therefore, there is no daily
requirement recommendation. Likewise, there are no known deficiency
symptoms. PABA's most documented and effective health application
is its ability to protect the skin from the sun's UV rays. It is
the active ingredient used in most sunscreen products. The reason
for its effectiveness as a sun block is not known.
Food sources
PABA is found in liver, kidney, whole grains, and molasses.
Health applications
- Scleroderma
- Dermatomyositis
- Peyronie's disease
- Pemphigus
- Vitiligo
Functions and uses
PABA assists the human body in maintaining the levels of "friendly"
bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. It helps bacteria manufacture
folic acid, which is needed for bacterial cell replication. None
of the above health applications are well documented. Studies on
scleroderma and vitiligo have conflicting results. Uncontrolled
studies on dermatomyositis1, Peyronie's disease2,
and pemphigus3 indicate that PABA may be helpful,
but these are, at best, preliminary findings.
Dosage and Toxicity
Large doses of PABA are associated with side effects such as malaise,
liver disease, fever, and low white blood cell counts. No serious
side effects have been reported with doses as high as 300¿400
mg per day. PABA is frequently found in small doses in B-complex
vitamins and multi-vitamin formulas.
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