Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) |
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Basic Information
Brand names:
PABA Capsules
Hill-Shade(R)
Pabagel(R)
Pabanol(R)
Paraminan(R)
Presun 8(R)
RV Paba(R)
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? No
NATURAL SOURCES
Bran
Brown rice
Kidney
Liver
Molasses
Sunflower seeds
Wheat germ
Whole-grain products
Yogurt
REASONS TO USE
Shields skin from damage of ultraviolet radiation when used as
a topical sunscreen.
Treats vitiligo, a condition characterized by discoloration or
depigmentation of some areas of the skin.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Rejuvenates skin.
Treats arthritis.
Stops hair loss.
Restores color to graying or white hair.
Treats anemia.
Treats constipation.
Treats headaches.
Treats skin disorders.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
PABA is not an essential nutrient, so no nutritional
deficiency has been documented.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
None
UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
Eczema
LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
None available except for experimental purposes.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
No RDA has been established.
What this supplement does:
Stimulates intestinal bacteria, enabling them to produce folic
acid, which aids in production of pantothenic acid.
Miscellaneous information:
When used topically, PABA helps prevent sunburn.
DON'T take oral supplements without doctor's supervision.
Available as:
A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.
A constituent of many topical sunscreen products.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Take any sulfonamide or antibiotic internally because PABA
prevents them from exerting their full effect.
Consult your doctor if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in
the near future.
Over age 55:
No problems expected.
Pregnancy:
Risks outweigh benefits. Don't take internally. No problems
expected if you use PABA topically.
Breast-feeding:
Risks outweigh benefits. Don't take internally. No problems
expected if you use PABA topically.
Effect on lab tests:
None expected.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't
freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture
may change action of supplement.
OVERDOSE/TOXICITY
Signs and symptoms:
Liver disease evidenced by abnormal liver function tests,
jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), vomiting.
Possible consequences of overdose:
PABA is stored in the tissues. In continued high dosage, it may
prove toxic to the liver. Symptoms of toxicity are nausea and
vomiting.
What to do:
For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue supplement, and consult
doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS section
below.
For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle):
Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest Poison
Control Center.
ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
| Reaction or effect |
What to do |
| Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Nausea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
|
immediately. |
INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS
| Interacts with |
Combined effect |
| Antibiotics |
Decreases effectiveness of |
|
antibiotics. |
| Folic acid |
Increases effectiveness of |
|
folic acid. |
| Sulfonamide ("sulfa drugs") |
Decreases effectiveness of |
|
sulfa drugs. |
| Vitamin-B complex |
Increases effectiveness of |
|
vitamin-B complex. |
| Vitamin C |
Increases effectiveness of |
|
vitamin C. |
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
None known
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