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Posted on Dec 30, 2005, 8 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: PABA is found in liver, brewer
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
PABA is found in liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, molasses, eggs, organ meats, yogurt, and green leafy vegetables.
ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:
PABA stimulates intestinal bacteria, which aids in production of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). PABA is a coenzyme and is involved in the production of blood cells, metabolism of protein, and is important for healthy skin, hair pigmentation, and intestinal health. It may also help with vitiligo (a disease characterized by abnormal white blotches of skin due to loss of pigmentation). PABA is used to treat many skin conditions.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Similar to symptoms caused by folic acid or pantothenic acid deficiency; but including vitiligo, fatigue, irritability, depression, nervousness, headache, constipation and other digestive disorders.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
50-100mg included iin a B-complex vitamin. No RDA has been established.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Not established.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
No serious side effects have been reported at doses of 300-400 mg per day. However excessive doses of PABA (upwards of 8 grams per day) have been linked to hypoglycemia, rash, fever, and liver damage. PABA should not be used by people taking dapsone, methotrexate, sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine, or trimethoprim.
SOLUBILITY:
Water-soluble
