Para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA, is a relatively little known,
but nevertheless important nutrient; commonly, though not
strictly accurately, classified as one of the B-complex
vitamins. The confusion is perhaps understandable because PABA
plays an important role in the manufacture in the body of one of
the most important B–complex vitamins, folic acid.

The many vital benefits of folic acid have been well
documented, the most important probably being the prevention of
serious birth defects, particularly spina bifida; as well as
protection against stroke, cardiovascular disease and even
certain cancers. Indeed, adequate supplies of folic acid are
regarded as so crucial to health that staple foods such as bread
are routinely enriched with it. But the typical Western diet is
nevertheless believed by many nutritionists to be severely
deficient. PABA’s role in encouraging the synthesis of the
body’s vitamin may therefore be regarded as sufficient in itself
to make it a vital nutrient in its own right.

But there is far more to para-aminobenzoic acid than this. The
nutrient has also been classified as a general anti-oxidant,
helping counteract the ageing and degenerative effects of
damaging free radical activity; and as an anti-inflammatory
which may be beneficial in the alleviation of the symptoms of
the menopause and osteoarthritis.

The anti-inflammatory properties of PABA also make it a
particular favourite of nutritional practitioners in combatting
malfunctions of the immune system such as thyroiditis, and a
potentially fatal condition known as scleroderma, in which
fibrous tissue grows through the skin, cutting off the blood
supply to the body’s vital organs.

Moderate supplements of PABA were an old, but now
unfashionable, treatment for the skin condition, vitiligo, in
which the skin loses it’s natural pigmentation, resulting in
unsightly and embarrassing blotches. Nutritional therapists,
however, continue to regard and use PABA as an effective
alternative therapy for the condition.

PABA is also believed by some therapists to have a role in the
relief of fatigue; perhaps through its role in the formation of
the red blood cells which are vital for the transport of oxygen
around the body, and to help alleviate depression.

In the context of skin care, PABA also helps absorb potentially
damaging ultra-violet light and has previously been used as an
ingredient in commercial sunblocks. There is some evidence,
however, that internal supplementation with at least 1,000 mg of
the nutrient may also help prevent sun damage. For this reason,
too, PABA is regarded as cosmetically beneficial to the
appearance in smoothing the skin and reducing wrinkles, as would
any effective proprietary sunscreen.

Another cosmetic benefit claimed for PABA is that it may
restore the colour of grey hair. Sadly, however, although
general vitamin B-complex deficiencies have indeed been
associated with premature greying, there appears to be little
hard evidence that taking extra PABA may reverse this process.

For the more serious conditions detailed above, nutritional
therapists recommend supplementary doses of anything between 400
mg and 12 g per day. No significant side effects have been
reported with doses of 15 g or less; though some gastric upsets
have been reported. Doses at this level, however, are
recommended only for conditions for which the sufferer will
almost certainly be receiving conventional medical treatment and
are best not undertaken without qualified supervision.

For most people, however, the good thing about PABA is that it
is not only readily available from the foods which comprise a
healthily balanced diet, but can also be manufactured by the
body.

So in ordinary circumstances, and if you’re in reasonably good
health, you probably don’t need a separate daily supplement of
PABA. But like all the B complex vitamins, PABA in any case
functions best in the presence of a good supply of all the
others, and so it’s frequently found in proprietary
multi-vitamin preparations. The better quality ones commonly
include around 30-50mg; a small amount to be sure, but worth
having as an insurance policy when you’re aiming for optimum
holistic nutrition, and particularly when you bear in mind the
nutrient’s crucial role in the synthesis of folic acid.

As always when taking a multi-vitamin, however, this should be
coupled with a comprehensive multi-mineral supply to ensure the
maximum effectiveness of both.

About The Author: Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter
specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest
in health products. Find out more at
sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/PABA.htm

Trackback Post

Related Posts