What is PABA?
PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid) is an organic compound that was once considered part of the B-vitamin complex (sometimes called vitamin Bx or vitamin B10) but is no longer classified as a vitamin for humans. While it serves important functions in bacteria and some organisms, humans do not have an established nutritional requirement for PABA, though it may have specific therapeutic applications.
Chemical Nature:
Aromatic amine and carboxylic acid
Chemical formula: C₇H₇NO₂
White crystalline substance
Member of the para-aminobenzoic acid family
Precursor compound in some organisms
Not synthesized by humans in meaningful amounts
Historical Context:
Once considered: vitamin B10 or Bx
Reclassified: not essential for humans
Essential: for bacteria (folate synthesis)
Still included: in some B-complex supplements
Popular in: 1940s-1950s for various conditions
Research declined: after reclassification
Forms:
PABA (Free Form):
Standard supplemental form
Pure para-aminobenzoic acid
Most common in supplements
Oral and topical applications
Potassium PABA (Potaba):
Prescription form in some countries
Used for: fibrotic conditions (Peyronie's disease, scleroderma)
Better absorbed: than free PABA
FDA-approved: for specific conditions
Higher doses: typically used
PABA Esters:
Used in: sunscreens and cosmetics
Octyl dimethyl PABA, padimate O
Topical only: not for oral supplementation
Sun protection: UV absorption
Key Characteristics:
Not essential for humans
Component of folic acid structure (in bacteria)
UV light absorber (sunscreen properties)
Antioxidant properties
Anti-fibrotic effects (mechanism unclear)
Melanin production involvement
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) at low doses
Primary Functions & Benefits
Functions in Bacteria (Not Humans):
Folate Synthesis:
Bacteria require: PABA to synthesize folate
Humans: obtain folate from diet (don't synthesize it)
Sulfa drugs work: by blocking bacterial PABA use
No role: in human folate metabolism
Proposed Functions in Humans (Limited Evidence):
Skin Pigmentation:
May affect: melanin production
Proposed: for vitiligo (repigmentation)
Mechanism: unclear
Evidence: weak and conflicting
Antioxidant Activity:
Free radical scavenging: some in vitro evidence
Practical significance: unclear
Other antioxidants: more potent
Connective Tissue Effects:
Anti-fibrotic: mechanism unknown
Used for: Peyronie's disease, scleroderma
Evidence: mixed and limited
Potassium PABA: prescription form for these conditions
UV Protection (Topical):
UVB absorption: used in older sunscreens
Less common now: other ingredients preferred
PABA esters: still used in some products
Historical and Proposed Benefits (Largely Unproven):
Hair Graying Prevention:
Popular belief: restores hair color
Scientific evidence: essentially none
Mechanism: theoretically related to melanin
Not supported: by modern research
Anecdotal only
Vitiligo (Skin Depigmentation):
Some old studies: suggested benefit
Modern research: conflicting results
Mechanism: proposed melanin production
Not first-line: treatment
Limited evidence
Peyronie's Disease:
Fibrous plaque: in penis causing curvature
Potassium PABA: FDA-approved treatment
Evidence: mixed, some benefit in some studies
Mechanism: unknown (anti-fibrotic proposed)
High doses required: 12g daily
Other treatments: often preferred
Scleroderma:
Skin thickening: autoimmune condition
Potassium PABA: used historically
Evidence: weak and dated
Not standard: treatment today
Better options: available
Arthritis:
Historical use: for joint inflammation
No solid evidence
Not recommended
Hair Loss:
Claimed benefit: hair growth
No scientific support
Mechanism: unclear
Not effective
Modern Understanding:
Limited Essential Role:
Not a vitamin: for humans
Not required: in diet
Body doesn't use: PABA to make folate (unlike bacteria)
Therapeutic uses: very specific and limited
Most claims: not evidence-based
Recommended Daily Amounts
No RDA or Adequate Intake:
Not classified: as essential nutrient
No established: dietary reference intakes
No deficiency: syndrome in humans
No recommended: daily amount
Typical Supplemental Doses:
General Supplementation (Not Recommended for Most):
B-complex: 25-100 mg (if included)
No established need: for routine supplementation
Historical use: not supported by modern evidence
Therapeutic Doses (Specific Conditions):
Peyronie's Disease (Potassium PABA):
Prescription dose: 12,000 mg (12g) daily
Divided: 3g four times daily
Duration: 3-6 months minimum
Medical supervision: required
High dose: specific to this condition
Vitiligo (Historical, Not Standard):
Doses used: 100-400 mg daily (sometimes higher)
Often with: topical application
Evidence: weak
Not recommended: as primary treatment
Scleroderma (Historical):
Potassium PABA: 12g daily (prescription)
No longer: standard treatment
Better options: available
Upper Limit:
No official UL: established
High doses: can cause side effects (see toxicity section)
8,000 mg daily: increased risk of adverse effects
Prescription doses: require medical supervision
No Established Nutritional Need:
Humans: don't require dietary PABA
Supplementation: not necessary for general health
Specific conditions: may have limited therapeutic use
Most people: should not take PABA supplements
Food Sources
PABA in Foods (Generally Low Amounts):
Some Natural Occurrence:
Whole grains: trace amounts
Liver and organ meats: small amounts
Mushrooms: minimal
Yeast: some content
Spinach and other greens: trace amounts
Quantification Difficult:
Not typically: measured in food databases
Amounts: very small
Not significant: dietary source
Not nutritionally: relevant for humans
Gut Bacteria Production:
Intestinal bacteria: produce some PABA
Absorption: uncertain
Significance: unclear for human health
Not relied upon: for any essential function
No Dietary Requirement:
Humans: don't need PABA from food
No deficiency: from lack of dietary PABA
Food content: not nutritionally important
Supplementation: only for specific therapeutic use
Supplementation Guidelines
General Recommendation: Not Needed for Most People
Who Might Consider:
Peyronie's disease: prescription potassium PABA under medical care
Specific fibrotic conditions: medical supervision required
Historical therapeutic use: limited modern support
Most people: no benefit from supplementation
Types of Supplements:
PABA (Free Acid):
Standard supplement form
Found in: some B-complex formulas
Doses: typically 25-500 mg
No established benefit: for general population
May cause: GI upset even at moderate doses
Potassium PABA (Potaba - Prescription):
FDA-approved: for Peyronie's disease and scleroderma
High doses: 12g daily typical
Prescription only: in the US
Medical supervision: required
Better absorbed: than free PABA
More expensive
Topical PABA (Sunscreen Ingredient):
PABA or PABA esters
UVB protection
Less common: now (other ingredients preferred)
Can cause: allergic reactions in some people
Stains clothing: yellow
Form Selection (If Using):
Not Recommended for General Use:
No nutritional need
Limited therapeutic applications
Side effects: possible even at moderate doses
Other options: usually better for claimed benefits
If Prescribed for Peyronie's Disease:
Potassium PABA: prescription form
Medical supervision: essential
High doses: 12g daily
Monitoring: for side effects and liver function
Dosing Considerations:
Not for Routine Supplementation:
No benefit: for general health
Not a vitamin: despite historical classification
Can cause: side effects
Avoid: unless specific medical reason
Therapeutic Use (Medical Supervision):
Start low: assess tolerance
Divide doses: throughout day with meals
Medical monitoring: essential for high doses
Liver function: monitor periodically
Duration: condition-specific
Timing & Administration:
With meals: reduces GI upset
Divided doses: for high amounts (Peyronie's treatment)
Consistent timing: for therapeutic use
Not applicable: to most people (shouldn't be taking it)
Synergistic Supplements
Limited Evidence for Combinations:
B-Complex Vitamins:
Historically included: with other B vitamins
No synergy: established
No benefit: to combining
B-complex without PABA: perfectly adequate
Folate:
No relationship: in humans (unlike bacteria)
PABA doesn't: contribute to human folate status
Historical confusion: from bacterial metabolism
Vitamin C:
Sometimes combined: in old formulations
No evidence: of synergy
Both antioxidants: but PABA weak
For Specific Conditions (Historical, Limited Evidence):
Vitiligo (Not Recommended):
Sometimes combined: with copper, vitamin C
Weak evidence: for any combination
Modern treatments: superior
Peyronie's Disease:
Potassium PABA: often used alone
Some combine: with vitamin E (limited evidence)
Coenzyme Q10: sometimes added (no strong evidence)
Medical management: varies by provider
No Established Synergies:
PABA unique: in having no clear nutritional role
Combinations: not evidence-based
Most people: should avoid PABA entirely
Interactions & What NOT to Take
Drug Interactions:
Sulfonamide Antibiotics (Sulfa Drugs):
Antagonistic: PABA blocks sulfa drug action
Mechanism: sulfa drugs work by blocking bacterial PABA use
PABA supplementation: reduces antibiotic effectiveness
AVOID: PABA if on sulfa antibiotics
Examples: sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine, sulfadiazine
Critical interaction: can lead to treatment failure
Methotrexate:
May interfere: with methotrexate action
Theoretical: both affect folate pathways (in bacteria)
Avoid: PABA if on methotrexate
Medical consultation: required
Aspirin and NSAIDs:
May increase: PABA toxicity risk
Liver stress: both can affect liver
Monitor: liver function if combining
Other Medications:
Limited data: on most interactions
Medical consultation: advised for any medication use
High-dose PABA: more likely to interact
Conditions Requiring Caution:
Kidney Disease:
PABA excreted: by kidneys
Impaired clearance: in kidney disease
Accumulation risk: with renal impairment
Avoid: in kidney disease
Liver Disease:
High doses: can affect liver function
Monitor: liver enzymes
Avoid: in active liver disease
Potassium PABA: requires monitoring
Folate Metabolism Disorders:
Theoretical concerns: though PABA doesn't affect human folate directly
Medical supervision: advised
Nutrient Interactions:
No Established Interactions:
PABA isolated: from normal nutrient metabolism
No known: vitamin or mineral interactions
Exception: sulfa drug interference (pharmaceutical, not nutrient)
Who Should Take PABA
Very Few People Should Take PABA:
Not Recommended for General Population:
Not essential: for humans
No health benefits: for most people
Potential side effects: without clear benefit
Better alternatives: for claimed uses
Specific Medical Conditions (Prescription Required):
Peyronie's Disease:
Potassium PABA: FDA-approved treatment
Prescription form: medical supervision
Dose: 12g daily
Evidence: mixed but some benefit shown
Alternative treatments: available
Medical decision: with urologist
Scleroderma (Historical, Rarely Used Now):
Potassium PABA: used historically
Evidence: weak
Not standard: treatment today
Better options: available
If used: medical supervision required
Who Might Have Considered It Historically (No Longer Recommended):
Vitiligo:
Old studies: suggested possible benefit
Modern evidence: weak and conflicting
Not first-line: treatment
Better options: phototherapy, topical steroids, newer therapies
Hair Graying:
Popular belief: prevents or reverses gray hair
No scientific evidence
Mechanism: theoretically related to melanin
Not effective: based on research
General "Anti-Aging":
Historical marketing: as anti-aging compound
No evidence: for anti-aging effects
Not recommended
Bottom Line on Who Should Take:
Almost nobody: for routine supplementation
Prescription use: Peyronie's disease (limited)
Medical supervision: always required for therapeutic doses
Alternatives: usually better for claimed benefits
Who Should AVOID or Use Caution
Absolute Contraindications:
People on Sulfa Antibiotics:
PABA antagonizes: antibiotic action
Can cause: treatment failure
Serious infections: could worsen
Absolutely avoid: while on sulfa drugs
Examples: Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole), sulfasalazine
Kidney Disease:
Impaired excretion: accumulation risk
Higher toxicity: risk
Avoid entirely
Liver Disease:
High doses: can damage liver
Active liver disease: contraindication
Monitor closely: if any liver issues
Use Extreme Caution:
Pregnant Women:
Safety: not well-established
No known benefits: during pregnancy
Potential risks: unknown
Avoid: unless specifically prescribed
Breastfeeding Women:
Transfer to milk: unknown
No established benefits
Avoid: to be safe
Children:
No pediatric: indications
Safety data: limited
Not recommended
Elderly:
Higher risk: side effects
Kidney function: often reduced
Medication interactions: more common
Avoid: unless medically indicated
Medical Conditions:
Diabetes:
May affect: blood sugar (some reports)
Monitor closely: if using
Better avoided
Autoimmune Conditions:
Unclear effects: on immune function
Medical supervision: if considering
Medication Users:
Multiple Medications:
Limited interaction data
Potential: for unknown interactions
Avoid: unless specifically indicated
Medical consultation: essential
General Population:
Most People Should Avoid:
No nutritional need
Potential side effects
No clear benefits
Better alternatives: for any claimed use
Deficiency Symptoms
No Human Deficiency Syndrome:
Not Essential:
Humans: don't require PABA
No deficiency: disease in humans
Not needed: for any essential function
Historical misclassification: as vitamin
Bacterial Deficiency:
Bacteria need: PABA for folate synthesis
Humans: get folate from diet
Sulfa drugs: exploit bacterial PABA dependence
Not relevant: to human nutrition
No Symptoms from Low PABA:
Humans on: PABA-free diet show no deficiency
No adverse effects: from lack of PABA
Body doesn't: use PABA for essential processes
Supplementation: unnecessary
Historical Claims (Unsupported):
Gray hair: claimed as deficiency symptom (false)
Fatigue: not related to PABA
Skin issues: not from PABA deficiency
Joint problems: unrelated to PABA
Bottom Line:
No such thing: as PABA deficiency in humans
Symptoms attributed: historically were misattributed
Don't need: to worry about PABA intake
Focus on: actual essential nutrients
Toxicity Symptoms
PABA Can Cause Significant Side Effects:
Common Side Effects (Moderate Doses, 1-8g daily):
Gastrointestinal:
Nausea and vomiting: very common
Abdominal pain: cramping
Diarrhea: frequent
Loss of appetite
Dyspepsia: indigestion
Skin:
Rash: various types
Itching: pruritus
Hyperpigmentation: darkening of skin (ironic given vitiligo use)
Serious Adverse Effects (High Doses, >8-12g daily):
Liver Toxicity:
Elevated liver enzymes: ALT, AST
Hepatitis: inflammation
Liver damage: in some cases
Jaundice: rare but possible
Requires: immediate medical attention
Monitor: liver function with high doses
Hypoglycemia:
Low blood sugar: especially with high doses
Mechanism: unclear
Symptoms: shakiness, sweating, confusion
More common: in diabetics
Dangerous: can be severe
Hematologic:
Fever: drug-induced
Leukopenia: low white blood cells (rare)
Agranulocytosis: severe (very rare)
Kidney Effects:
Crystalluria: crystals in urine
Kidney stones: possible
Acute kidney injury: rare
Neurological:
Vitamin B deficiency: from high-dose PABA (mechanism unclear)
Neuropathy: rare
Allergic Reactions:
Skin Reactions:
Contact dermatitis: from topical PABA (sunscreens)
Allergic rash
Photoallergy: sun-induced reaction
Anaphylaxis:
Rare: but possible
Severe allergic reaction
Medical emergency
Drug Interaction Toxicity:
With Sulfa Drugs:
Treatment failure: of infection
Can be dangerous: for serious infections
Dose-Dependent:</p>
Low doses (25-100 mg): usually well-tolerated
Moderate doses (1-8g): GI upset common
High doses (>8g): liver toxicity risk
Very high doses (12g+): requires monitoring, multiple side effects common
Prescription Use (Potassium PABA):
12g daily: for Peyronie's disease
Frequent side effects: GI upset, rash
Monitoring required: liver function, blood sugar
Many discontinue: due to side effects
Bottom Line on Toxicity:
Not benign: significant side effects possible
High doses: particularly problematic
Liver toxicity: serious concern
Risk-benefit: poor for most uses
Medical supervision: essential for therapeutic doses
Testing & Monitoring
No Routine Testing for PABA Levels:
Not measured: in standard clinical practice
No deficiency: to test for
Blood levels: not clinically relevant
Not useful: for health assessment
Monitoring If Using Therapeutically:
Before Starting High-Dose PABA:
Liver function: baseline ALT, AST, bilirubin
Kidney function: creatinine, BUN
Blood glucose: especially if diabetic
Complete blood count: baseline
During High-Dose Treatment:
Liver function: monthly for first 3 months, then every 3 months
Blood glucose: regularly, especially if diabetic
Kidney function: periodically
CBC: if symptoms suggest hematologic issues
Discontinue: if liver enzymes >3x normal
Clinical Monitoring:
Side effects: nausea, rash, other symptoms
Efficacy: for condition being treated
Compliance: given high pill burden and side effects
Condition-Specific Monitoring:
Peyronie's Disease:
Penile curvature: assess improvement
Plaque size: physical exam, ultrasound
Sexual function: questionnaires
Duration: 3-6 months minimum before assessing
Liver Toxicity Surveillance:
Critical: with high doses
Stop immediately: if significant elevation
Most cases: reversible with discontinuation
For General Population:
No monitoring: needed (shouldn't be taking PABA)
No blood tests: required for PABA status
Special Considerations
Historical Context and Modern Understanding
Once Considered a Vitamin:
1940s-1950s: classified as vitamin Bx or B10
Reclassified: when found not essential for humans
Bacteria require: PABA for folate synthesis
Humans obtain: folate from diet
Confusion: led to decades of inappropriate use
Declining Use:
Popular historically: for many conditions
Evidence lacking: for most claims
Modern medicine: rarely uses PABA
Exceptions: narrow prescription use (Peyronie's)
Peyronie's Disease Treatment
What is Peyronie's Disease:
Fibrous plaque: in penis
Causes: curvature, pain, erectile dysfunction
Affects: 3-9% of men
Often spontaneous: improvement in early stages
Potassium PABA Treatment:
FDA-approved: for this indication
Mechanism: unknown (proposed anti-fibrotic)
Dose: 12g daily (very high)
Duration: 3-6 months minimum
Efficacy: mixed evidence, modest benefit in some studies
Side effects: common (GI, rash)
Not first-line: many other treatments available
Modern Alternatives Often Preferred:
Intralesional collagenase: FDA-approved, more effective
Verapamil injections
Interferon injections
Surgery: for severe cases
Vacuum devices, traction therapy
Pentoxifylline: oral alternative
PABA Use Declining:
Newer treatments: more effective
High pill burden: 12g = many pills daily
Side effects: frequent
Cost: can be expensive
Compliance: difficult
Scleroderma (Historical Use)
What is Scleroderma:
Autoimmune condition: skin and connective tissue
Skin thickening: fibrosis
Can affect: internal organs
Serious condition: requires expert care
Historical PABA Use:
Potassium PABA: used in 1950s-1980s
Proposed: anti-fibrotic effect
Evidence: weak, dated studies
No longer standard: treatment
Modern Treatment:
Immunosuppressants: methotrexate, mycophenolate
Biologics: tocilizumab, rituximab
Vasodilators: for vascular symptoms
Physical therapy
PABA: rarely used today
Vitiligo (Weak Evidence)
What is Vitiligo:
Loss of skin pigmentation: autoimmune destruction of melanocytes
White patches: on skin
Affects: 0.5-2% of population
Not dangerous: but cosmetic and psychological impact
PABA Historical Use:
1940s-1970s: popular for vitiligo
Proposed: stimulates melanin production
Oral and topical: both used
Evidence: weak and conflicting
Modern Treatments Much Better:
Topical corticosteroids
Topical calcineurin inhibitors
Phototherapy: narrowband UVB
Excimer laser
JAK inhibitors: newer, promising (ruxolitinib cream)
Skin grafting: for stable patches
PABA: not recommended
Gray Hair Prevention (Myth)
Popular Belief:
PABA prevents or reverses: gray hair
Theory: related to melanin production
Widely marketed: historically
Scientific Reality:
No evidence: PABA affects hair color
Graying: primarily genetic, age-related
Melanocyte activity: decreases with age
PABA doesn't: restore melanocytes
Studies: show no benefit
Anecdotal reports: placebo effect
Modern Understanding:
Gray hair: complex process
Genetics: primary determinant
Oxidative stress: contributes
No proven: supplements to prevent graying
Focus on: overall health, not PABA
Topical PABA in Sunscreens
Historical Use:
Popular sunscreen ingredient: 1970s-1980s
UVB absorption: effective sun protection
SPF ratings: PABA-based sunscreens
Declined in Popularity:
Skin irritation: common
Allergic reactions: frequent
Stains clothing: yellow discoloration
Better alternatives: developed
Modern Sunscreens:
Avobenzone, oxybenzone: more common chemicals
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide: physical blockers
PABA rarely used: in modern formulations
PABA esters: sometimes still used (padimate O)
If Allergic to PABA:
Avoid: PABA-containing sunscreens
Check labels: for PABA or PABA esters
Many options: PABA-free sunscreens widely available
Lack of Modern Research
Research Declining:
Peak interest: 1940s-1970s
Reclassification: reduced funding
Limited therapeutic use: little incentive
Modern studies: rare
Most Evidence:
Old studies: 1950s-1970s methodology
Poor quality: by modern standards
Conflicting results: common
Hard to interpret: decades later
Current Status:
Orphaned compound: little research interest
Prescription use: narrow (Peyronie's)
Supplement use: declining
Future research: unlikely
Summary & Key Takeaways
PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid) is a compound once considered a B vitamin but now known to be non-essential for humans. While it has narrow prescription use for Peyronie's disease and was historically used for various conditions, most therapeutic claims lack solid evidence. PABA can cause significant side effects, especially at high doses, including liver toxicity and GI distress. The vast majority of people should avoid PABA supplementation as it offers no benefits and poses potential risks.
Critical Points:
Not a vitamin: for humans (despite historical classification)
Not essential: no dietary requirement
No deficiency: syndrome in humans
Limited therapeutic use: Peyronie's disease (prescription only)
Significant side effects: especially at high doses
Liver toxicity: serious concern with high doses
Most claims: unproven (gray hair, vitiligo, general health)
Blocks sulfa antibiotics: dangerous interaction
Bottom Line for Most People:
DO NOT TAKE PABA:
Not essential: for health
No benefits: for general population
Can cause: side effects
Liver toxicity: risk
Better alternatives: for any claimed use
Exception: prescription for Peyronie's disease (medical supervision)
Historical vs. Modern Understanding:
Historical Claims (Mostly Unsupported):
Gray hair prevention: NO EVIDENCE
Vitiligo treatment: WEAK EVIDENCE, better options available
Hair growth: NO EVIDENCE
Anti-aging: NO EVIDENCE
General health: NO BENEFITS
"Vitamin" status: INCORRECT
Modern Medical Use (Very Limited):
Peyronie's disease: FDA-approved (potassium PABA, 12g daily, prescription)
Evidence: MIXED, modest benefit in some studies
Side effects: COMMON (GI upset, rash, liver issues)
Alternatives: OFTEN PREFERRED (newer treatments more effective)
Critical Safety Points:
Contraindications:
Sulfa antibiotics: ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION (blocks antibiotic action)
Kidney disease: AVOID (impaired excretion)
Liver disease: AVOID (hepatotoxicity risk)
Pregnancy/breastfeeding: AVOID (safety unknown)
General population: NOT RECOMMENDED
Side Effects:
Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash
Serious: liver toxicity, hypoglycemia, kidney damage
Dose-dependent: higher doses = more side effects
Monitoring required: liver function with high doses
Drug Interactions:
Sulfa drugs: CRITICAL INTERACTION (treatment failure)
Methotrexate: may interfere
Aspirin/NSAIDs: may increase toxicity
Limited data: on most other interactions
If Prescribed for Peyronie's Disease:
Form: Potassium PABA (prescription)
Dose: 12,000 mg (12g) daily divided doses
Duration: 3-6 months minimum
Monitoring: liver function monthly initially
Side effects: expect GI upset, rash common
Compliance: difficult (high pill burden)
Alternatives: discuss with urologist (newer treatments may be better)
For Claimed Benefits:
Gray Hair:
Evidence: NONE
Recommendation: DON'T TAKE
Reality: Genetics determine graying
Vitiligo:
Evidence: WEAK, outdated
Recommendation: Use modern treatments (phototherapy, topical steroids, JAK inhibitors)
PABA: Not recommended
Hair Growth:
Evidence: NONE
Recommendation: DON'T TAKE
Better options: Minoxidil, finasteride (proven)
General Health/Anti-Aging:
Evidence: NONE
Recommendation: DON'T TAKE
Focus on: Actual essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals)
Comparison to Real Vitamins:
Vitamin B12: ESSENTIAL, prevents anemia, nerve damage
Folate: ESSENTIAL, prevents birth defects
Vitamin C: ESSENTIAL, prevents scurvy
PABA: NOT ESSENTIAL, prevents nothing, no health benefits for most people
Why PABA Persists in Some Supplements:
Historical inertia: "B-complex" formulas from decades ago
Marketing: "complete B-complex" claims
Ignorance: manufacturers unaware it's not needed
Tradition: "always been in the formula"
Recommendation: Choose B-complex WITHOUT PABA
Historical Interest vs. Current Reality:
1940s-1970s: Popular supplement, considered vitamin
1980s-1990s: Reclassified, use declining
2000s-Present: Rarely used except narrow prescription use
Future: Likely to become even more obscure
Bottom Line: PABA is not a vitamin and offers no health benefits to the vast majority of people. It can cause significant side effects, especially liver toxicity at high doses. The only legitimate modern use is prescription potassium PABA for Peyronie's disease, where evidence is mixed and newer alternatives are often preferred. Historical claims about gray hair prevention, vitiligo treatment, and general health benefits are unsupported by modern science. Most people should actively avoid PABA supplements. If you see PABA in a B-complex formula, choose a different formula without it. If prescribed for Peyronie's disease, understand it requires very high doses (12g daily), causes frequent side effects, and needs liver function monitoring. This is a compound whose time has passed - it made sense when we thought it was a vitamin, but modern science shows it's not essential and usually not beneficial.