A natural nutrient compound that helps gut bacteria make folate, supports skin health, and protects hair.
What it is
Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) is a natural organic compound related to B-complex vitamins, sometimes called Vitamin B10. While human cells do not use PABA directly as a vitamin, friendly gut bacteria rely on it to make natural folate (Vitamin B9).
In daily multivitamins, PABA works alongside B vitamins to support skin protection, healthy hair structure, and cellular energy.
Also known as: P.A.B.A., 4-aminobenzoic acid, Vitamin B10
Key benefits
- Provides raw material for friendly gut bacteria to manufacture natural folate (vitamin B9).
- Supports hair structure, natural hair colour, and skin protection against daily sun exposure.
- Works together with B vitamins to support everyday energy and cell health.
Amplified by probiotics
PABA moves through your digestive tract where friendly probiotic bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus use it as a building block. These good bacteria transform PABA into natural folate that your body absorbs easily, boosting your body's B-vitamin stores. In turn, probiotic bacteria produce healthy organic acids that create the ideal environment for absorbing PABA and keeping B vitamins stable.
Typical dose
30–100 mg/day
The evidence
Evidence: moderateDermatological and nutritional research confirms PABA's role as a microbial folate building block and protective cutaneous antioxidant (Zarafonetis 1964, Pennsylvania Med J; Hughes 2010, Am J Clin Nutr). Human trials demonstrate its utility in B-complex synergism and keratin (the protein your hair and nails are made of) structural maintenance.
Safety & who should check first
PABA is safe at dietary multivitamin doses (30–100 mg/day). Extremely high medicine-level doses (>12 g/day) can cause liver toxicity or low blood sugar; speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if taking sulfonamide antibiotics.