| Para-amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) | |||||
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- Why PABA is good for you
- Important PABA facts
- Groups at risk of PABA deficiency
- Symptoms of PABA deficiency
- PABA and health
- PABA in foods
- PABA recommended daily intake (RDI)
- PABA works best with
- Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for PABA
Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) is one of the B vitamin co-factors. It assists the B vitamins to function more effectively.
Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) is used to improve the way proteins are used in the body, it assists with red blood cell formation, as well as assisting in the manufacture of folic acid in the intestines. PABA also maintains correct intestinal flora.
PABA is used in sunscreen preparations since it can help protect the skin against ultra-violet radiation.
- People suffering from vitiligo, over-pigmentation of skin, or without pigment in some spots, have reported an improvement of the skin after more PABA was ingested
- Certain drugs affect PABA absorption, such as antibiotics and also alcohol
Groups at risk of PABA deficiency
There is none reported.
When PABA is in short supply fatigue, irritability, nervousness and depression might manifest itself as well as constipation. Weeping eczema has also been noted in people with PABA deficiency as well as patchy areas on the skin.
- Blocking ultraviolet radiation - PABA helps to block ultraviolet rays and is a useful ingredient in sunscreen.
PABA is actually part of the folic acid molecule, so it will be found in folate-rich foods, such as:
- Beans
- Eggs
- Green leafy vegetables
- Lentils
- Organ meats
- Yeast
PABA recommended daily intake (RDI)
| RDA | No information available |
|---|---|
| TOLERABLE UPPER LIMIT | 10-500mg |
| TOXIC LEVELS | No information available |
The tolerable upper limits should only be taken for short periods and only under medical supervision.
Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for PABA
Sensitivity in some individuals. Liver function may need to be checked.
Overdosage or toxicity symptoms are:
- Anorexia
- Fever
- Nausea
- Rash
references
- Jakobsen J, Pendersen AN, Ovesen L. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) used as a marker for completeness of 24 hour urine: effects of age and dosage scheduling. EJCN 2003, Vol 57(1); 138-142
- Office of Dietary Supplements USA - has the official USA RDI for all vitamins (these are also adopted by Australia), accessed 9 August 2005
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
