Paba
Description
Paba (para-aminobenzoic acid) is classified as a vitamin-like substance. In its para-aminobenzoil moiety it is a factor in the vitamin B-Complex vitamins and a component of folic acid.
Bacteria are able to synthesize folic acid from PABA; therefore, for these organisms, it is considered a vitamin. Humans, however, cannot use aminobenzoic acid to synthesize folic acid. PABA does perform certain metabolic functions in some animals.
Method of Action
Paba is a component of many biological systems and participates in many metabolic processes. It appears to function as a coenzyme in the conversion of certain chemical intermediates to purines. It has also been suggested that PABA has an antifibrosis activity, increasing oxygen uptake at the tissues. This increase in oxygen may enhance monoamine oxidase activity; furthermore, it is believed that too little monoamine oxidase activity is a contributing factor to fibrosis. These effects are, at present, still considered speculative.
Paba has no nutritional value for humans.
It has been reported that folic acid and vitamin C assist the absorption of PABA; ethanol, coffee, sulfa drugs, and any cola drink will prevent absorption.
Properties & Uses
PABA is used as a topical sunscreen, absorbing ultraviolet light of wavelengths between 190 and 270 nanometers. However, it does not absorb in the near ultraviolet range, 350 to 400 nanometers, and therefore does not prevent drug-related photosensitivity and phototoxicity.
PABA is also used in combination with salicylates in the treatment of rheumatic fever.
Consequence of Deficiency
There is no consequence of deficiency related to PABA.
Toxicity Factors
There is no toxicity related to PABA.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
| RDA for adults: | 400 mcg |
| RDA for children: | 200 - 300 mcg |
| RDA for infants: | 50 mcg |
| RDA for pregnancy: | 800 mcg |
| RDA for lactation: | 600 mcg |
The above is 1980 values for RDA.
For over thirty years, Recommended Daily Amounts has existed in the United Kingdom. It has been used to measure the adequacy of an individual's diet. However, in 1991 the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA) gave forth a whole new set of figures upon the request of the Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer. Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) is one of these sets collectively known as "Dietary Reference Values." RNI is an amount of a nutrient that is enough for almost every individuals, even someone who has high needs for the nutrient. This level of intake is, therefore, considerably higher than what most people would need. If individuals are consuming the RNI of a nutrient they are most unlikely to be deficient in that nutrient.
Food Sources
| Beef liver | Bran flake |
| Brewer's yeast | Chicken liver |
| Egg (whole) | Lamb liver |
| Molasses | Rice |
| Turkey liver | Veal liver |
| Wheat germ | Whole wheat |
References
Borrman, W.R. 1979. Comprehensive Guide to Nutrition. New Horizons Pub Corp. Chicago, Illinois.
Guthrie, Helen A. Introductory Nutrition. 5th edition. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby Co., 1971.
Kastrup, E.K., ed. 1981. Drug Facts and Comparisons, 1982 edition. Facts and Comparisons Division, J.P. Lippincott Co, Philadelphia, St. Louis.
Osol, Arthur. 1980. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. Mack Publishing Company, Pennsylvania. 1928.
Pfeiffer, Carl D., M.D. Mental And Elemental Nutrients. New Canaan, Conn. Keats Publishing, 1975.
Recommended Dietary Allowances. 1989. National Academy of Science, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
Sagone-AL Jr et al: Biotransformation of para-aminobenzoic acid and salicylic acid by PMN. Free-Radic-Biol-Med; 1993 Jan; 14(1); P 27-35.
Walji, Hasnain. 1992. The Vitamin Guide-Essential Nutrients for Healthy Living, Element Books, Dorset .U.K.
Walji, Hasnain. 1994. Vitamins, Minerals and Dietary Supplements - A definitive Guide to Healthy Eating . Hodder Headline Plc. London.
Williams, Sue Rodwell. Nutrition And Diet Therapy. 5th edition. St Louis: Times Mirror Mosby, 1985.
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