PABA (PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID)
Written by Slawomir Gromadzki, MPH
Para-aminobenzoic (PABA), also known as Vitamin B-10, helps protect against sunburn by reducing the absorption of ultra violet -B radiation thus, thus helping prevent skin damage and cancer.
Helps reduce arachidonic acid (and brain inflammation) thus helping in depression. Also magnesium and vitamin B1 help lower arachidonic acid levels.
PABA is a constituent of folate. It helps in the absorption of pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5).
People with low levels of PABA are at higher risk of irritability, nervousness, depression, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, and constipation. They may also develop de-pigmentation of the skin (patchy white areas) and skin related disorders such as eczema.
It has been known to reduce inflammation in arthritis leading to improved flexibility of joints.
Like most B vitamin, it also acts as a co-enzyme helping to breakdown and utilize proteins and forming red blood cells.
PABA is also beneficial in treating eczema, scleroderma, loss of skin pigmentation, irritability, depression fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Supplementing with PABA has been believed to help in restoring greying hair to its original colour, but only if it was caused by stress and nutritional deficiencies.
PABA supports protection against second hand smoke and air pollutants.
PABA has been shown to reduce symptoms of vitiligo and help prevent signs of premature ageing by diminishing wrinkles, firming sagging skin, or reducing the appearance of age spots.
Good nutritional sources of PABA include: Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach), whole grains, bran, mushrooms, and molasses.
SOURCES
Balch, Phyllis A. (2010) Prescription for Nutritional Healing, NY: Penguin Group