PABA Information (Was natural sunscreens) (long?)

[Guest guest]

Multi source of information on PABA. Sorry for the overkill!

 

Be well,

Andrew Robertson

www.BlueMoonDesign.org

 

*****************************

This section gleaned from http://www.anyvitamins.com/PABA-info.htm

-----------------------------

 

PABA - para-aminobenzoic acid information page

 

PABA is the shortened name for para-aminobenzoic acid that is often

thought of as only an ingredient used in sunscreens, while it is in

actual fact a nutritional ingredient as well. Since it is a moiety of

PGA, a form of folic acid, some health professionals do not consider

it a vitamin, but only a B-complex factor.

 

PABA,para,aminobenzoic,acid

PABA is required for

 

PABA is used to improve the protein used in the body, it relates to

red blood cell formation as well as assisting the manufacture of folic

acid in the intestines. Para-aminobenzoic acid is used in sunscreen

preparations since it can help protect the skin against ultra-violet

radiation.

 

It has been linked to hair growth as well as reversing the graying of

hair, but these results are disappointing. People suffering from

vitiligo, over-pigmentation of skin, or without pigment in some spots,

have reported an improvement of the skin after more PABA was ingested.

 

PABA also assists with breaking down of protein, the formation of red

blood cells and maintaining intestinal flora.

Deficiency of PABA

 

When PABA is in short supply fatigue, irritability, nervousness and

depression might manifest itself as well as constipation. Weeping

eczema has also been noted in people with PABA deficiency as well as

patchy areas on the skin.

Dosage

 

The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but

be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to

ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the

therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased

considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

 

No recommended dosage but 50 mg per day is usually used in

supplementation.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

 

When higher than factor (SPF) 8 sunscreens are used, the manufacture

of vitamin D in the body may be reduced. Nausea, skin rashes and

vomiting might be indicative of PABA taken in excess.

 

Excessive levels of PABA are stored in the body and may cause liver

damage.

Best used with

 

Vitamin C and the B group vitamins, plus Folic Acid are best taken

with PABA.

When more may be required

 

Long term antibiotic use may require more PABA from the body, but take

note of PABA affecting the ability of sulfa drugs. Although not

documented in medical terms, some women having problems falling

pregnant claim conceiving after increasing PABA in their diet.

Enemy of PABA

 

Since a ban was placed on the sale of OTC supplements containing a

large single dosage of PABA, very little new research has been done.

Other interesting points

 

PABA may make sulfa drugs ineffectual.

Food sources

 

PABA is found in liver, kidney, brewer's yeast, molasses, whole

grains, mushrooms and spinach, and can be made by intestinal bacteria.

 

*****************************

This section gleaned from

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10049,00.html

-----------------------------

 

PABA

 

What Is It?

 

An abbreviation for para-aminobenzoic acid, PABA appears to be a

component of folic acid, a member of the B family of vitamins. It

plays a role in breaking down and using proteins, and in forming red

blood cells.

 

PABA is synthesized naturally in the intestines from friendly

bacteria, and can also be obtained through grains and animal products.

Supplements are available as well. While PABA is not considered an

essential nutrient--no RDA has been established and deficiencies in

humans have not been reported--these supplements may have certain

therapeutic effects in the body.

 

PABA is important for healthy hair and skin, and taking it in

supplement form may prevent hair loss by protecting hair follicles.

Interestingly, people who have gone gray may experience a return of

their natural hair color by taking PABA, but only if they are

deficient in B vitamins. Not all studies have shown that this is

effective, however.

 

Research indicates a possible role for PABA in treating Peyronie's

disease (a disorder of the penis that affects erections). It has also

been examined--though not always with success--for aiding skin changes

associated with scleroderma (an autoimmune disorder), pemphigus (a

severe blistering of the skin), and vitiligo (a disorder that causes

discoloration of the skin).

 

Most people will also recognize PABA as an ingredient in sunscreen

lotions, where it has been shown to protect the skin by blocking

damaging ultraviolet rays. However, in recent years PABA's popularity

as a sunscreen has declined due to reports that it can irritate the

skin and cause allergic reactions in some people.

 

General Interaction

 

# PABA can interfere with the absorption of sulfa antibiotics.

 

Cautions

 

# High doses (8 g or more daily) of PABA can cause blood sugar to drop

and may induce a rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In rare

cases it can cause liver function abnormalities.

 

PABA - Drug Interactions

 

Sulfasalazine

PABA may make sulfasalazine less effective. Do not take PABA if you

are using this antibiotic.

 

Sulfisoxazole Systemic

PABA may make sulfisoxazole less effective. Do not take PABA if you

are using this antibiotic.

 

*****************************

This section gleaned from http://www.vitacost.com/science/hn/Supp/PABA.htm

-----------------------------

 

PABA

 

Also indexed as: Para-aminobenzoic Acid

 

What is it?

 

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 has been reported to enhance the effects of cortisone.1 It may

also prevent or even reverse accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue.

 

The most well-known property of PABA is as an effective sunscreen,

when used topically. Oral PABA supplementation has not been shown to

possess any sunscreening properties.2

 

An isolated trial published in 1942 reported that 12 of 16 infertile

women were able to become pregnant after supplementing with 100 mg of

PABA taken four times per day for three to seven months.3 The effect

of PABA on fertility has not been studied in modern research.

 

Researchers have attempted to discover whether large amounts of PABA

would be helpful in various connective tissue disorders. Although

preliminary studies have reported that PABA (12 grams per day) was

helpful to people with scleroderma,4 5 6 a double-blind trial found

that supplementation with PABA did not lead to improvement.7

 

Older published reports of uncontrolled investigations suggest that

PABA may be helpful in a variety of conditions, including

dermatomyositis,8 Peyronie's disease (accumulation of abnormal fibrous

tissue in the penis),9 pemphigus (a severe blistering disease),10 and

vitiligo (a disorder in which patches of skin lose their

pigmentation).11 However, PABA was reported to cause vitiligo in one

report.12

 

Older preliminary reports found that PABA darkened gray hair in a

minority of elderly (but not younger) people.13 In these trials,

between 200 and 600 mg of PABA was taken per day for several months,

in some cases accompanied by other B vitamins. However, at least one

other study found that PABA did not darken gray hair.14 Therefore, the

evidence supporting the use of PABA as a way to return gray hair to

its original color remains very weak.

Where is it found?

 

PABA is found in grains and foods of animal origin.

 

PABA has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer

to the individual health concern for complete information):

 

Rating Health Concerns

---

1 Star Dermatitis Herpetiformis

1 Star Dermatomyositis

1 Star Infertility (female)

1 Star Pemphigus

1 Star Peyronie's disease

1 Star Scleroderma

1 Star Vitiligo

---

 

Rating Guide:

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a

substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting

a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no

scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support

and/or minimal health benefit.

 

Who is likely to be deficient?

 

Deficiencies of PABA have not been described in humans, and most

nutritionists do not consider it an essential nutrient.

Which form of PABA is best?

 

PABA is available as a nutritional supplement, but because it is

mildly acidic, it can cause stomach irritation when taken in large

amounts. The potassium salt of PABA, called Potaba®, which is

available by prescription, tends to be better tolerated.

How much is usually taken?

 

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.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

 

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.15 One report

exists of vitiligo appearing after ingestion of large amounts of

PABA16 and use of amounts over 20 grams per day in small children has

resulted in deaths.17 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.18

 

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.

 

Are there any drug interactions?

Certain medicines may interact with PABA. Refer to drug interactions

for a list of those medicines.

 

References

 

1. Wiesel LL, Barritt AS, Stumpe WM. The synergistic action of

para-aminobenzoic acid and cortisone in the treatment of rheumatoid

arthritis. Am J Med Sci 1951;222:243–8.

 

2. Willis I, Kligman AM. Aminobenzoic acid and its esters. The quest

for more effective sunscreens. Arch Dermatol 1970;102:405–17.

 

3. Sieve BF. The clinical effects of a new B-complex factor,

para-aminobenzoic acid, on pigmentation and fertility. South Med Surg

1942(March);104:135–9.

 

4. Zarafonetis CJD. The treatment of scleroderma: results of potassium

para-aminobenzoate therapy in 104 cases. In: Mills LC, Moyer JH eds.

Inflammation and Diseases of Connective Tissue. Philadelphia: W. B.

Saunders Co. 1961, 688–96.

 

5. Zarafonetis CJD, Dabich L, Negri D, et al. Retrospective studies in

scleroderma: effect of potassium para-aminobenzoate on survival. J

Clin Epidemiol 1988;41:193–205.

 

6. Zarafonetis CJ, Dabich L, Devol EB, et al. Retrospective studies in

scleroderma: pulmonary findings and effect of potassium

p-aminobenzoate on vital capacity. Respiration 1989;56:22–33.

 

7. Clegg DO, Reading JC, Mayes MD, et al. Comparison of aminobenzoate

potassium and placebo in the treatment of scleroderma. J Rheumatol

1994;21:105–10.

 

8. Grace WJ, Kennedy RJ, Formato A. Therapy of scleroderma and

dermatomyositis. NY State J Med 1963;63:140–4.

 

9. Zarafonetis CJD. Treatment of Peyronie's disease with potassium

para-aminobenzoate. J Urol 1959;81:770–2.

 

10. Zarafonetis CJD, Curtis AC, Shaw JM. Treatment of pemphigus with

potassium para-aminobenzoate. Am J Med Sci 1956;231:30–50.

 

11. Sieve BF. Further investigations in the treatment of vitiligo.

Virginia Med Monthly 1945(January):6–17.

 

12. Hughes CG. Oral PABA and vitiligo. J Am Acad Dermatol 1983;9:770

[letter].

 

13. Gaby AR. The story of PABA. Nutr Healing 1997;March:3–4, 11 [review].

 

14. Zarafonetis CJD. Darkening of gray hair during para-amino-benzoic

acid therapy. J Invest Dermatol 1950;15:399–401.

 

15. Kantor GR, Ratz JL. Liver toxicity from potassium

para-aminobenzoate. J Am Acad Dermatol 1985;13:671–2.

 

16. Hughes CG. Oral PABA and vitiligo. J Am Acad Dermatol 1983;9:770

[letter].

 

17. Worobec S, LaChine A. Dangers of orally administered

para-aminobenzoic acid. JAMA 1984;251:2348.

 

18. Zarafonetis CJD, Grekin RH, Curtis AC, et al. Further studies on

the treatment of lupus erythematosus with sodium para-aminobenzoate. J

Invest Dermatol 1948;11:359.