What is PABA? A Guide to Para-Aminobenzoic Acid
Summary
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) is commonly classified as a B vitamin, but it is more accurately described as a precursor to folic acid. It is produced primarily by gut microbes rather than the body itself, and plays roles in skin health and UV protection.
Key Takeaways
- PABA is not a true B vitamin — it is a pre-B vitamin that the body uses to synthesize folic acid
- It is classified as a non-essential vitamin because it does not need to come directly from food
- PABA is produced by gut microbes, not directly by human cells
- Antibiotic use can deplete the microbes responsible for producing PABA, potentially leading to deficiency
- PABA can be obtained through dietary sources including organ meats, dairy, eggs, vegetables, and mushrooms
- It supports skin softness and tone
- PABA helps protect skin against UV radiation, which is why it appears in some sunscreen formulations
- It may benefit people with vitiligo, a condition involving loss of skin pigmentation
Details
What PABA Actually Is
PABA stands for para-aminobenzoic acid. Despite being widely known as a B vitamin, Dr. Berg clarifies it is more precisely a precursor vitamin — meaning it is a building block the body uses to manufacture folic acid (vitamin B9). Because of this indirect role, it is labeled a “non-essential” vitamin in the sense that it doesn’t need to be consumed directly through diet.
Where PABA Comes From
The primary source of PABA is not human metabolism but rather the gut microbiome. Beneficial microbes in the digestive tract synthesize PABA naturally. This means that individuals who have undergone antibiotic treatment may have compromised PABA production due to disruption of these microbial populations.
Dietary sources that supply PABA include:
- Organ meats
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Vegetables
- Mushrooms
Skin Health Benefits
PABA has several notable connections to skin health:
- UV protection — PABA absorbs ultraviolet radiation, which is why it has historically been included as an active ingredient in sunscreens and suntan lotions
- Skin tone and softness — adequate PABA levels are associated with improved skin texture and appearance
- Vitiligo — PABA may be beneficial for vitiligo, a condition in which areas of skin lose their pigment
Mentioned Concepts
- PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
- folic acid
- gut microbiome
- vitiligo
- UV radiation
- antibiotic use
- B vitamins