PABA Information (Was natural sunscreens) (long?)

[Guest guest]

-I am a little behind in my emails and did a search on Paba and found

this thought I should post it to the group: I didn't snip the post

deliberately, so that it would remind everyone about the topic. One of

the Paba posts follow:

 

The British Medical Journal recently showed that sunbathers using some

suntan lotions have a higher risk of developing malignant Skin Cancer,

and a possible link with Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is the Chemical used

in many sun products with high Sun Protection Factors.

 

Oxybenzone's function is to `filter' ultra violet light on the surface

of the skin, converting it from light to heat, but it can also be

absorbed through the skin. As yet we have not seen any research to

indicate what happens when the oxybenzone is absorbed through the

skin, but UV light causing cell damage is well known and readers may

choose to avoid this form of sun protection. If light is converted to

heat in the basal layers of the skin, damage to growing cells is very

likely.

 

Environmental + Health News May 98 reports that scientists at the

Memorial Sloan Cancer centre N.Y., U.S.A. and the U.S Government

Brookhaven Laboratory have found that sunscreens protected against

sunburn and cancers like Carcinoma, but not against Melanoma which has

increased twenty fold in Europe and U.S.A. since 1935.

 

Environmental + Health News also reports that Oxford University

scientist John Knowland shows that PABA* seemed to damage DNA, thus

increasing the risk of skin cancer. He recommends using non-PABA products.

 

*Para-amino-benzoic acid is very common and works by absorbing UV rays

in much the same way as oxybenzone.

 

One of the oldest tried and tested methods is to use tin oxide as a

`reflecting' coating to the skin. Tin oxide is widely used in wound

dressings and considered safe, Applied as a cream it is visible in

daylight. Although `safe' it should be avoided by people with dry skin

conditions as it has a drying action.

 

Many people will remember Calamine Lotion as both a sun protection and

a soothing after sun. It is based on Zinc Oxide, is pink, visible in

daylight and is easily washed off in water. It is likely that this,

and other " reflective " sunscreens will, in the long run turn out to be

much safer than " absorbing " lotions containing PABA and/or oxybenzone

or benzophenone.

 

If you are in doubt about the safety of your sunscreen, email us, or

simply use reflective sunscreens rather than " converting " ones.

>>>>>>>Copied from

http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/paba-oxybenzone.html

 

Original post:

> *****************************

> 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.

>