PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) is classified as a vitamin-like substance. PABA is a component of many biological systems and participates in many metabolic processes. It appears to function as a coenzyme in the conversion of certain chemical intermediates to purines. It has also been suggested that PABA has an antifibrosis activity, increasing oxygen uptake at the tissues. This increase in oxygen may enhance monoamine oxidase activity; furthermore, it is believed that too little monoamine oxidase activity is a contributing factor to fibrosis.
It has been reported that folic acid and vitamin C assist the absorption of PABA while ethanol, coffee, sulfa drugs, and cola drinks prevent absorption. PABA is commonly used as a topical sunscreen, absorbing ultraviolet light. However, it does not absorb in the near ultraviolet range (350 to 400 nanometers) and thus does not prevent drug-related photosensitivity and phototoxicity. PABA has been used in combination with salicylates in the treatment of rheumatic fever.
Some people believe that PABA is not necessary for human health. However, as it occurs naturally in our food supply (in liver, yeast, wheat germ, and molasses), it may be there for as yet unknown reason.
A safe daily dose is 30mg per day, but higher doses are used for therapeutic reasons. Deficiency symptoms include fatigue, irritability, depression, nervousness, headache, constipation, and other digestive disorders.
Vitamin Paba can help with the following
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in large doses (10 to 25gm per day) may reduce or eliminate the skin lesions of DH. People with DH have remained symptom-free for as long as 30 months. Because of these high doses, a watchful eye should be kept for any evidence of side effects. [Arch Dermatol Syph 1951;63: pp.115-32]
Dermatomyositis
There have been several cases where paba, taken as “Potaba”, caused significant and lasting improvement in those with dermatomyositis. Suppression and reversal of autoimmunity seemed to occur. Doses taken ranged up to 20 grams per day. [N Y State J Med 63: pp.140-4, 1963]
Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency
PABA potentiates the hormone cortisol. When cortisol is being supplemented, the dosage of PABA may need to be reduced.
Peyronie's Disease
PABA has been suggested for diseases in which abnormal fibrous tissue is involved, such as Peyronie’s disease. However, no double-blind studies have been performed. [Tech Urol 3: pp.135-139, 1997]
Eczema
Weeping eczema has been noted in some people with PABA deficiency as well as patchy areas on the skin.
Female Infertility
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) stimulates the pituitary gland and sometimes restores fertility to some women who cannot conceive.
Perimenopausal Status / Issues
PABA helps potentiate hormones, especially in women moving toward menopause.
Key
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
PABA
(Para Aminobenzoic Acid): May be considered part of the Vitamin B complex. As a coenzyme, PABA functions in the breakdown and utilization of proteins and in the formation of red blood cells.
Metabolism
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds.
Coenzyme
A heat stable molecule that must be associated with another enzyme for the enzyme to perform its function in the body. It is necessary in the utilization of vitamins and minerals.
Monoamine Oxidase
(MAO) Enzyme catalyzing the removal of an amine group from a variety of substrates, including norepinephrine and dopamine.
Folic Acid
A B-complex vitamin that functions along with vitamin B-12 and vitamin C in the utilization of proteins. It has an essential role in the formation of heme (the iron containing protein in hemoglobin necessary for the formation of red blood cells) and DNA. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tubular defects in the developing fetus.
Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Milligram
(mg): 1/1,000 of a gram by weight.
Constipation
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.