PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- PABA
- Para-aminobenzoic acid
- Vitamin Bx (historical)
- Bacterial vitamin H1

Latin Name: N/A (synthetic compound)

Category: Other Supplement (B-vitamin-related compound)

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Gray hair reversal - Used in vitamin therapy since the mid-20th century
• Sun protection - Traditional topical use before commercial sunscreens
• Skin health support - Folk remedy for skin vitality

Modern Uses

• Gray Hair Restoration - May help restore original hair color when graying is caused by stress, trauma, or nutritional deficiency | Research quality: Preliminary
• Key findings: Anecdotal and clinical observations suggest PABA combined with B-complex vitamins may reverse premature graying in some individuals

• Source citations: Wilen, Lydia - Healing Remedies; Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine

• UV Protection (Topical) - Absorbs ultraviolet light when applied to skin | Research quality: Strong

• Key findings: PABA absorbs UV radiation and was widely used in early sunscreen formulations; now largely replaced due to allergenic potential

• Source citations: Merck Manual Home Health Handbook; Lee, Sandra - Put Your Best Face Forward

• Skin Health Support - Used in topical preparations for skin vitality | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Some evidence of use in anti-aging preparations and for conditions involving skin pigmentation
• Source citations: Todd, Jude - Jude's Herbal Home Remedies

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Para-aminobenzoic acid - A water-soluble compound structurally related to folic acid; absorbs UV radiation and participates in folic acid synthesis in bacteria

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Capsule or tablet
- Amount: 100 mg per day
- Frequency: Once daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsule or tablet
- Amount: 300 mg per day (maximum recommended)
- Purpose: Gray hair restoration, nutritional support
- Duration: Several months of consistent use may be needed to see results

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: 300 mg
- Warning threshold: Do not exceed 300 mg daily; higher doses may cause side effects

Bioavailability Notes:
- Water-soluble; absorbed in the small intestine
- Best taken with food to enhance absorption
- Works synergistically with other B vitamins

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best taken with meals
- Morning or with breakfast preferred
- Should be taken consistently at the same time daily for best results

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. B-Complex Vitamins - PABA works synergistically with B vitamins for gray hair support | Enhanced effects on hair pigmentation
2. Folic Acid - Structurally related compounds that support cellular function | Complementary metabolic support
3. Biotin - Both support hair and skin health | Combined benefits for hair condition
4. Selenium - Supports hair health and thyroid function | Complementary mineral support for hair
5. Zinc - Important for hair follicle health | Enhanced support for healthy hair growth

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. None specifically documented - PABA is generally compatible with most supplements

Drug Interactions:
1. Sulfonamide Antibiotics (Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfasalazine) - PABA may interfere with the antibacterial activity of these drugs | PABA competes for the same pathway sulfa drugs target | Severity level: Severe - Avoid combination
2. Dapsone - PABA may interfere with the activity of dapsone | May reduce drug effectiveness | Severity level: Moderate - Avoid combination
3. Methotrexate - PABA can increase methotrexate levels, activity, and side effects | May enhance drug toxicity | Severity level: Moderate to Severe - Use with caution
4. Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX, Bactrim) - PABA may interfere with the sulfa component | May reduce antibiotic effectiveness | Severity level: Severe - Avoid combination

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions documented

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Active sulfonamide antibiotic therapy
- Methotrexate treatment
- Known allergy or sensitivity to PABA
- History of skin reactions to PABA-containing sunscreens

Side Effects:
- Common: Mild gastrointestinal upset at higher doses
- Rare: Skin rash, itching (especially with topical use)
- Topical use: May cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals

Long-Term Use:
- Generally considered safe at recommended doses (up to 300 mg daily)
- Limited data on very long-term supplementation
- Periodic breaks may be advisable

Special Precautions:
- Pregnancy: Insufficient data; consult healthcare provider
- Breastfeeding: Insufficient data; consult healthcare provider
- Those with kidney or liver conditions should use with caution
- Discontinue at least 2 weeks before surgery if concerned about drug interactions

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Gray hair support (stress/deficiency-related), UV protection (topical), B-vitamin support

Secondary: Skin health, nutritional support for hair and nails

Sources

Local Library:
- Gaby, Alan R. - A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions 2nd Ed.pdf
- Bartram, Thomas - Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
- Wilen, Lydia - Healing Remedies
- Todd, Jude - Jude's Herbal Home Remedies
- Merck - The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook
- Lust, John - The Herb Book
- Lee, Sandra - Put Your Best Face Forward
- McIntyre, Anne - The Complete Herbal Tutor

General Knowledge:
- Clinical and scientific literature on PABA pharmacology
- Sunscreen chemistry and UV protection research