PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)
What is it?
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a member of the B complex and is part of the folic acid molecule. It is synthesized by intestinal bacteria.
What it does in the body
PABA may be important for skin, hair and intestinal health.
Deficiencies
No deficiency symptoms have been recorded.
Sources
PABA is found in brewer's yeast, wheatgerm, liver, eggs and molasses.
Toxic effects of excess intake
High doses of PABA may cause nausea, vomiting and possibly liver damage.
Therapeutic uses of supplements
PABA is used as a sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet rays. It has also been used to turn gray hair back to its natural color, although this has not had wide success. PABA has also been used to treat vitiligo, a skin depigmenting condition.
Cautions
PABA is a necessary nutrient for bacteria and may reduce the effectiveness of sulfa antibiotics if taken at the same time.