Vitamin B10, or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA, the English abbreviation PABA ), is not a unique vitamin, it is only a derivative of benzoic amino acid. However, according to the similarity of structure and importance for the body, it was assigned to the vitamins of group B and assigned regulation 10 (BX). Sometimes it is also called vitamin H1.
PABA in solid form is a white crystals, readily soluble in alcohols and oils. The compound is chemically stable, retains its structure when boiled in alkali and acid.
It enters the human body with certain products, and is also produced in small amounts by intestinal microorganisms.
The main functions of PABK
One of the important functions of vitamin B10 is participation in the production of melanin, a natural pigment of human hair and skin, which is why it is used in many cosmetic and restoration procedures:
used in the means and procedures for the prevention of premature aging;
when used together with inositol (B8), folic (B9) and pantothenic acid (B5) it helps to restore gray hair its natural color (if gray hair is a result of stress or lack of vitamins);
It is used together with biotin, folic and pantothenic acid, and sometimes vitamin E to restore damaged hair.
Vitamin B10 functions as amino acids
As an amino acid, PABA is involved in many metabolic processes and the synthesis of a number of organic compounds:
- acts as a stabilizer for the growth of "friendly" bacteria in the human intestine, serves as a feedstock for the production of folic acid by intestinal microflora;
participates in the synthesis of constituent nucleic bases of RNA and DNA - pyrimidine and purine;
normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, ensures the normal course of digestive processes, promotes the absorption of fatty acids and proteins.
PABA food sources
Vitamin B10 is contained in products of both plant and animal origin. Its main sources are brewer's yeast, molasses (molasses feed), meat offal (liver and kidneys of animals), wheat germ, seafood.
Other sources: bran, mushrooms, spinach, whole grains (for example, brown rice and whole wheat), nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, egg yolk.
Other useful features
In studies conducted in the mid-90s, PABA in the form of Potaba (potassium aminobenzoate) was used to treat Peyronie's disease. After a full examination, patients were prescribed medium and large doses of the substance. The results were encouraging, but more research is needed to confirm them.
There are cases when women with problems with conception reported pregnancy after increasing the dose of PABA in their diet.
Vitamin B10 also improves the functioning of the mammary glands, stimulating the synthesis of lactocytes in lactating women.
Early research suggests that PABA can help treat vitiligo - discoloration or pigmentation of certain areas of the skin. Also, regular use of B10 prevents the accumulation of abnormal fibrous cells.
Since supplements containing large doses of PABA have been banned from over-the-counter sales because of the potential danger of overdosing, studies on this vitamin have been virtually never conducted. However, in small doses, it is allowed and can be found in most multivitamins of the B complex.
Signs and causes of deficiency
PABA deficiency is rare, as it is available in food and can be produced in the body by intestinal bacteria. However, a disadvantage can occur with prolonged use of antibiotics, including sulfa drugs that affect intestinal bacteria, and with them, the production of PABA. On the other hand, vitamin B10 itself can reduce the effectiveness of sulfonamide antibiotics if taken simultaneously.
PABA deficiency is not characterized by any specific signs, so it is difficult to diagnose it, however, with its deficiency, the following symptoms are often observed:
- constipation and other chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- nervousness;
- frequent headaches;
- general malaise;
- depressive states;
- irritability;
- wet or moist eczema;
- premature skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles;
- premature hair loss.
Overdose Symptoms and Side Effects
Since in fact B10 is not a vitamin, then for him such a thing as vitamin deficiency is not defined. There is no established upper dose for PABA, but megadosages are not recommended, since excess of this substance is delayed in the body.
High doses of PABA - from 8 grams per day - can cause a rash, nausea, vomiting, fever, and in some cases even vitiligo - spotted discoloration of the skin, in which small doses of PABA are used for treatment.
Severe overdose can lead to toxicosis and liver damage. When using more than 20 grams of PABA, deaths of young children were recorded.
However, taking vitamin B10 in doses of up to 400 mg per duck is considered safe and only in some cases gives side effects in the form of a skin rash and loss of appetite.
There are also side effects of PABA, resulting from allergic reactions, and not an overdose. Signs of allergies include coma, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, liver damage, nausea, skin rash, shortness of breath or slowed breathing, stupidity, and vomiting. These conditions require immediate medical attention.
Vitamin B10: instructions for use
Most often, this vitamin is not produced independently, but in complexes of B vitamins or in multicomplexes. So, vitamin B10 in tablets "Active" is contained in an amount of 50 μg, in capsules "Altimet" - up to 20 μg PABA.
Now Foods PABA (USA) produces PABA as a dietary supplement in capsules, one capsule contains 500 micrograms of vitamin B10.
Topical application and injection
B10 is often used for topical application, for example in eye drops. So, vitamin B10 in the Actipol ampoules is effective in severe corneal degeneration. Drops are instilled up to 8 times a day in both eyes.
There are also solutions of PABA in ampoules for injection, but they are used only in specialized medical institutions. Injections are made by a doctor in certain areas of the eye or intramuscularly, and there is no easy-to-use instruction for vitamin B10 in ampoules.
Reviews
Almost all reviews of vitamin B10 are presented by the opinion of consumers who took it in the form of PABA - an American drug by Now Foods. All reviews can be divided into two main types - about the use for skin problems and for getting rid of early gray hair.
PABA begins to be taken in cases of high sensitivity of the skin to UV rays, when even with little sun exposure the skin gets severe burns. All consumers note a quick effect, ease of taking the drug and the absence of any discomfort in the body during its use. There is also an improvement in the general condition of the skin, an increase in elasticity, a decrease in dryness and sensitivity. The use of the drug in cases of problem skin and getting rid of acne gives good results.
For problems with hair, all consumers also note a 100% result, especially with focal temporal gray hair. Quickly enough, the hair becomes dark gray from white, and then the natural pigment of the hair is restored. In addition, there is a general improvement in the condition of the scalp and hair growth.
The only drawback is only the long delivery times of the drug by Now Foods dealers and distributors.