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.
----------------------------------------------------
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in
direct marketing and with a particular interest in health
products. Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/In
formation.htm
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