PABA (Para-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.

What Research Shows

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.