Vitamin B10, or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA, the English abbreviation PABA), is not an unambiguous vitamin, it is only a derivative of the benzoic amino acid. However, due to the similarity of structure and importance for the body, it was classified as a vitamin of group B and assigned regulation 10 (BX). It is sometimes also called vitamin H1.
PABA in solid form is 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 some products, and is also produced in small quantities by intestinal microorganisms.
Main functions of PABC
One of the important functions of vitamin B10 is participation in the production of melanin, a natural pigment in human hair and skin, so it is used in many cosmetic and restorative procedures:
added to products to protect the skin from sunburn and give it an even deep tan;
- used in products and procedures to prevent premature aging;
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whenwhen used in conjunction with inositol (B8), folic acid (B9) and pantothenic acid (B5), it helps restore gray hair to its natural color (if the gray hair is due to stress or a lack of vitamins);
- Used with biotin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and sometimes vitamin E to repair damaged hair.
Functions of vitamin B10 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;
- takes part in the production of protein, red blood cells, biogenic amines and interferon - a specific protein that increases the body's defenses against various infectious diseases;
- participates in the synthesis of the constituent nucleic bases of RNA and DNA - pyrimidine and purine;
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normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, ensures the normal course of digestive processes, promotes the absorption of fatty acids and proteins.
Food Sources of PABA
Vitamin B10 is found in both plant and animal products. Its main sources are brewer's yeast, molasses (fodder molasses), organ meats (liver and kidneys of animals), wheat germ, seafood.
Other sources: bran, mushrooms, spinach, whole grains (such as 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 complete examination, patients were prescribed medium and large doses of the substance. The results were encouraging, but more research is needed to confirm them.
Women with fertility problems have been known to report pregnancy after increasing the dose of PABA in their diet.
Vitamin B10 also improves breast function by stimulating lactocyte synthesis in breastfeeding women. Early research suggests that PABA may help treat vitiligo, a loss of color or pigmentation in certain areas of the skin. Regular intake of B10 also prevents the accumulation of abnormal fibrous cells.
Since high-dose PABA supplements were banned from over-the-counter sales due to potential overdose, little research has been done on this vitamin. However, it is allowed in small doses and can be found in most B-complex multivitamins.
Signs and causes of deficiency
PABA deficiency is rare because it is available in food and can be produced in the body by intestinal bacteria. However, a deficiency may occur with prolonged use of antibiotics, including sulfonamides.drugs that affect intestinal bacteria, and with them the production of PABA. On the other hand, vitamin B10 itself may reduce the effectiveness of sulfa antibiotics if taken at the same time.
PABA deficiency is not characterized by any specific signs, so it is quite difficult to diagnose it, however, the following symptoms are often observed with its deficiency:
- constipation and other chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- nervousness;
- frequent headaches;
- general malaise;
- depressive states;
- irritability;
- weeping or moist eczema;
- premature skin aging, wrinkles;
- premature hair loss.
Overdose symptoms and side effects
Since B10 is not actually a vitamin, the concept of beriberi is not defined for it. There is also no set upper dose for PABA, but mega-doses are not recommended, as excess of this substance lingers in the body.
High doses of PABA - as low as 8 grams per day - can cause rashes, nausea, vomiting, fever, and in some cases even vitiligo, a patchy discoloration of the skin for which small doses of PABA are used as a treatment.
Severe overdose can lead to toxicosis and liver damage. Deaths of young children have been reported when using more than 20 grams of PABA.
However, taking vitamin B10 in doses up to 400 mg per day is considered safe andonly in some cases causes side effects in the form of skin rashes and loss of appetite. There are also side effects of PABA, which are the result of allergic reactions, and not an overdose. Allergy signs include coma, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, liver damage, nausea, skin rash, difficult or slow breathing, dizziness, 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 Actival tablets is contained in an amount of 50 mcg, in Ultimate capsules - up to 20 mcg of PABA.
Now Foods PABA (USA) launches PABA as a dietary supplement in capsules, one capsule contains 500 mcg of vitamin B10.
Topical application and injections
B10 is often used for topical applications such as eye drops. So, vitamin B10 in ampoules "Aktipol" is effective in severe processes of 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 eyes or intramuscularly, and for vitamin B10 in ampoules, there is no instruction for use in the public domain.
Reviews
Virtually all reviews of vitamin B10 are presented by consumers who took it in the form of PABA, an American drug from Now Foods. All reviewscan be divided into two main types - for use in skin problems and for getting rid of early gray hair.
Take PABA start 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. Good results are obtained by using the drug in cases of problem skin and getting rid of acne.
With hair problems, all consumers also note a 100% result, especially with focal temporal gray hair. Quite quickly, the hair turns from white to dark gray, and then the natural pigment of the hair is restored. In addition, there is an overall improvement in the condition of the scalp and hair growth.
The only drawback is the long delivery time of the drug by Now Foods dealers and distributors.
