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PABA
| Para-aminobenzoic Acid | The
Sunscreen Vitamin |
What is the
importance of PABA
?
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PABA is
an antioxidant vitamin
related to folic acid.
It is the 'sunscreen'
vitamin used in
sunscreen preparations,
as it has the ability to
protect the skin against
excessive ultra-violet
light exposure. No
recommended daily
allowances for PABA have
been established, but an
allowance of between 30
mg and 100 mg is
considered reasonable.
PABA Benefits
It is known for its
ability to absorb
ultraviolet (UV) light,
thus preventing
wrinkling of the skin
and reducing the risk of
skin cancer. It is
therefore widely used in
sun block preparations.
It corrects loss of
pigmentation in skin and
hair, prevents hair
graying and retards hair
loss. It also protects
the lungs from ozone
damage, acts as a
coenzyme in the
utilization of protein,
assists in the formation
of red blood cells and
enhances the formation
of folic acid in the
intestine.
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How do you know if
you need more PABA?
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PABA
deficiency symptoms
include skin conditions
such as
eczema and wrinkles,
fatigue,
irritability and
depression,
senility,
arthritis and
bursitis.
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How much PABA
do you need?
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No
recommended daily
allowances for PABA have
been established, but an
allowance of between 300
mg and 500 mg is
considered reasonable.
Do not take PABA for
extended periods of
time. Every other day
for 2 weeks then a week
off is recommended. Take
time to notice if your
dosage is making the
changes you expected
before continuing.
Always consult your
doctor or midwife during
pregnancy and lactation.
It is impossible for
anyone to tell you how
much of any particular
vitamin you need. We
have read many articles
and reports on this
subject and no two are
alike. There are too
many variables involved.
Your age, your height
and weight, your health
and lifestyle, etc. The
best way for you to
decide which supplements
you need is to read
these pages and make
note of any health
problems you may be
having which could be
associated with a
vitamin deficiency. Then
start taking a small
dose. If your symptoms
don't go away after a
week or two, increase
your dosage. Continue
this until your symptoms
are relieved and stay
with that dosage.
Always start small
and work your way up, if
needed. Please be
careful when dealing
with fat soluble
vitamins as your body
retains these for
extended periods of
time. It is possible to
take to much of these
types of vitamins.
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How to get enough
PABA?
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Eating
a variety of foods that
contain PABA is
the best way to get an
adequate amount. Healthy
individuals who eat a
balanced diet rarely
need supplements.
Select foods that
contain excellent to
good sources of PABA
each day. Such as the
following: |
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molasses |
brewer's
yeast |
liver |
whole grains |
eggs |
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PABA can
also be made
by
intestinal
bacteria but
usually not
in
sufficient
amounts. |
In
spite of the fact
that the body
synthesizes PABA, it
may not be
sufficient for
maximum protection
and therefore PABA
supplements can
usefully enhance its
beneficial effects.
It is best taken as
part of a balanced
B-vitamin tablet or
capsule, unless your
doctor or
nutritional health
practitioner advises
otherwise.
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We
get all our personal
use vitamins and supplements
from
Puritan's Pride .
We highly recommend you
do the same, for
all your vitamin and
supplement needs. Their
products are always
fresh and of the highest
quality. Their prices
can't be beat, not even
by Wal-Mart. Shipping is
very fast and
inexpensive. |
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