PABA: Para-Aminobenzoic Acid

PABA or para-aminobenzoic acid is a component of folic acid which is a member of the B family of vitamins. It is a necessary ingredient in breaking down and using proteins, in forming red blood cells and in helping in the manufacture of folic acid in the intestines. It is manufactured in natural way in the intestines from friendly bacteria and it can also be obtained from outside sources such as grains and animal products. There are PABA supplements that you can avail too.

If you have not taken enough PABA, you may show the following symptoms: fatigue, irritability, nervousness and depression as well as constipation. Weeping eczema can also be noted in people with PABA deficiency including patchy areas on the skin.

There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) dosage but 50 mg per day is the usual PABA supplementation taken.

PABA is necessary for healthy hair and skin and the PABA supplement is known to prevent hair loss by protecting the follicles. It can even restore grey hairs to its natural colors. But this is applicable only if they have deficiency in vitamin B. PABA may have a possible role in treating Peyronie’s disease which is a disorder that affects an erection. It can possibly aid skin changes associated with scleroderma which is an autoimmune disorder, pemphigus which is a severe blistering of the skin and vitiligo which is a disorder that causes discoloration of the skin. People suffering from vitiligo, pemphigus and scleroderma have reported improvement in their skin after taking in PABA supplements. Although this is not a clinically proven fact, but some women claim that they got pregnant after increasing PABA in their diet. Excellent sources of PABA include: liver, kidney, brewer’s yeast, molasses, whole grains, mushrooms and spinach and can be made by intestinal bacteria.

PABA is often an active ingredient in sunscreen lotions; it protects the skin by blocking the damage ultraviolet rays. Its popularity as a sunscreen ingredient has waned recently though because it is reported to have caused skin irritation and cause allergic reactions in some people. When higher than factor SPF 8 sunscreens are used, manufacture of vitamin D in the body may be lowered. If it is taken in excess could also show the following symptoms: nausea, skin, rashes and vomiting. Excessive levels of PABA that are stored in the body can cause liver damage.

PABA is known to interact negatively with sulfa antibiotics since it interferes with its absorption. It can make sulfasalazine and sulfisoxazole less effective and you should not take it if you are using these antibiotics. High doses of PABA which is around 8 g. or more daily can cause blood sugar to drop and may cause a rash, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In rare cases, PABA can cause liver function abnormalities. For hair problems, take 100 mg a day of PABA. You may use Vitamin B complex to cover PABA. It is best used with Vitamin C and Vitamin B group or vitamins. Folic Acid works well with PABA too.

Folic Acid

We’re all familiar about vitamins and all their functions. Vitamin A is good for the eyes. Vitamin C is good for the skin. And Vitamin D is what we euphemistically call the “sun vitamin.” But, have you ever wondered which vitamin helps the body in making healthy new cells? If you haven’t, then read up.

Folic Acid for Healthy Cell Production

At some point in our lives, we’ve all probably stared at the cereal box label during breakfast. We saw words like riboflavin, folic acid, and pyridoxine and wondered what they mean. And your mom has probably reminded you time and time again to “eat your greens” while your doctor continues to advice you with a litany of “eating a balanced diet.” The words in your cereal box and your mother’s and doctor’s advice both involve vitamin B and its specific vitamin group, folic acid.

Folic acid is found in many foods and multivitamin supplements. It is considered especially important for women who could become pregnant because folic acid can help prevent birth defects.

Get Enough Folic Acid

Begin each day with folic acid. There are three ways you can get enough folic acid. First is, you can choose to take supplements. Most vitamin supplements contain 400 micrograms of folic acid. By taking one vitamin supplement daily, you can get as much as 400 micrograms of folic acid without ever having to worry about your diet.

Another choice is to eat a breakfast fortified with folic acids. Choose a breakfast cereal with a label that says it contains 100% of recommended daily amount of folic acid, which is 400 micrograms.

In addition, you can also increase your consumption of foods that are rich with folic acid. These foods include “enriched” cereal, bread, rice, pasta, and other grain products. Aside from consuming folate-rich foods, you can also consume a varied diet of orange juice and green vegetables.

Folic Acid and Its Benefits

The benefits of folic acid do not recognize a specific age group. So no matter how old you are, foods that are rich in folic acid are good for you. It’s not only mothers who should take lots of folate-rich food. Even young girls should try to get enough every day. This way, when you get older and you plan to become a mother, folic acid will already be a part of your diet.

Folic acid has earned its reputation as the vitamin that prevents birth defects. One of the concerns in today’s maternity environment is the apparent large percentage of children born with neural tube defects or NTDs. NTDs happen when the spinal cord of the fetus fails to close properly.

Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect. Spina bifida occurs when part of the baby’s spinal cord remains outside the body. This can cause paralysis. The baby may have legs that are paralyzed and later, may develop problems in controlling the bladder or bowel. Another neural tube defect that occurs among newborn babies is anencephaly. This is considered as the most serious form of NTD. Anencephaly causes a baby to be born lacking parts in its skull and brain and the baby eventually dies.

By taking folic acid, the incidence of birth defects can be reduced and your baby will stay healthy from the first month of pregnancy until the time of giving birth.