Wizard of Vitamins

PABA Vitamin

What is PABA?

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a compound that is an essential nutrient for microorganisms and some animals, but has not been shown to be essential for people. PABA is considered by some to be a member of the vitamin B-complex, though its actions differ widely from other B vitamins.

PABA in Diets

PABA is found in grains and foods of animal origin.

PABA Medicinal Treatments

Dermatitis Herpetiformis Dermatomyositis Infertility (female) Pemphigus Peyronie’s disease Scleroderma Vitiligo

Known Consequences of PABA Deficiency

Deficiencies of PABA have not been described in humans, and most nutritionists do not consider it an essential nutrient.

PABA Recommended Dosages

Small amounts of PABA are present in some B-complex vitamins and multivitamin formulas. The amount of PABA used in the studies described above ranged from 300 mg to 12 grams per day. Anyone taking more than 400 mg of PABA per day should consult a physician.

PABA Side Effects

No serious side effects have been reported with 300–400 mg per day. Larger amounts (such as 8 grams per day or more) may cause low blood sugar, rash, fever, and (on rare occasions) liver damage. One report exists of vitiligo appearing after ingestion of large amounts of PABA and use of amounts over 20 grams per day in small children has resulted in deaths. There is also a report of a death from toxic hepatitis in a person with lupus, who took as much as 48 grams per day for six days, followed by 8 grams per day for seven months. No interactions between PABA and other nutrients have been reported. However, PABA interferes with sulfa drugs (a class of antibiotics) and therefore should not be taken when these medications are being used. Certain medicines may interact with PABA. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.