PABA is a nutrient found in foods including eggs, grains, milk and meat. It can also be taken by mouth or rubbed on the skin, most notably found in many sunscreens. This is due to its ability to block UV rays on the skin. PABA is also found as a supplement, often taken for gray hair, hair loss and younger looking skin. It has not been proven to help any of these conditions, though, and as with any supplement, check with your doctor before taking PABA.
Identification
PABA, or para-aminobenzoic acid, is an antioxidant and is one of the basic constituents of folate. It is converted into folate by intestinal bacteria, according to nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." PABA also helps in the assimilation of pantothenic acid. Through its antioxidant properties, PABA can help in preventing skin cancer, and it also assists in the formation of red blood cells. Inflammation in arthritis can be reduced and flexibility increased with PABA.
Symptoms
There are a range of symptoms that might develop due to a deficiency in PABA. In the book, "Chemical Sensitivity: Tools, Diagnosis and Method of Treatment" by William J. Rea, he notes that symptoms may include constipation, depression, digestive disorders, fatigue, graying hair, headaches, irritability, scleroderma and dermatitis herpetiforms. These symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, so be sure to see your doctor to determine their cause.
Causes
Sulfa drugs, a component of certain antibiotics, may cause a deficiency, according to Balch. This is because the sulfa compounds can kill the intestinal bacteria since they resemble PABA in structure and can substitute for the PABA nutrient, notes nutrition expert John D. Kirschmann in his book, "Nutrition Almanac." Still, deficiency is unlikely and inadequacies of the nutrient rarely develop.
Considerations
Too much PABA can cause irritation, according to acupuncturist Christopher Hobbs and Dr. Elson Haas in their book, "Vitamins For Dummies." PABA is often an ingredient in sunscreen, and appears generally safe when applied to the skin. Taking large amounts of PABA daily may lead to liver, kidney or blood problems. Do not take PABA if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your doctor before supplementing with PABA.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2006
- "Chemical Sensitivity: Tools, Diagnosis and Method of Treatment"; William J. Rea; 1996
- "Nutrition Almanac"; John D. Kirschmann; 2006
- "Vitamins For Dummies"; Christopher Hobbs, LAc and Elson Haas, MD; 1999
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