PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)

PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names:

4-Aminobenzoic acid

Introduction

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a compound found in milk, eggs, grains, and meat. It is best known as the active ingredient in sunscreen. PABA has been used to improve discoloration in skin and hair and to ease digestion. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for PABA. Doses greater than 12 grams per day by mouth have caused severe reactions in some people.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

May Not Be Effective

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe for most adults to use PABA on the skin and to take by mouth in small doses for a short time, but intestinal symptoms and allergic reactions are possible.B1, B2 High doses may not be safe and should be avoided. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take by mouth for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse such as:

  • People taking antibiotics should talk to their doctor before taking PABA. It may make the medicine less effective.
  • People who are about to get surgery or those with ulcerative colitis should talk to their doctors before taking PABA. It may interact with their medicine.

References

A. Peyronie Disease

A1. Hasche-Klünder R. [Treatment of peyronie’s disease with para-aminobenzoacidic potassium (POTOBA) (author’s transl)]. Urologgee A. 1978;17(4):224-227.

A2. Weidner W, Hauck EW, et al. Potassium paraaminobenzoate (POTABA) in the treatment of Peyronie's disease: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized study. Eur Urol. 2005 Apr;47(4):530-535; discussion 535-536.

B. Safety

B1. Worobec S, LaChine A. Dangers of orally administered para-aminobenzoic acid. JAMA. 1984 May 11;251(18):2348.

B2. Kantor GR, Ratz JL. Liver toxicity from potassium para-aminobenzoate. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1985 Oct;13(4):671-672.

C. Scleroderma

C1. Clegg DO, Reading JC, et al. Comparison of aminobenzoate potassium and placebo in the treatment of scleroderma. J Rheumatol. 1994 Jan;21(1):105-110.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.

Home |Terms and Conditions |Concerned About Privacy? |Accessibility |Careers |For Employers and Medical Plan Providers

You may also be looking for: CVS/pharmacy | MinuteClinic | Specialty Pharmacy | SilverScript | Accordant