Para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA isn’t most well known as a dietary nutrient, but minimal scientific evidence suggests that PABA is believed to increase the ability of estrogen to boost fertility.
A 1942 study parked interest and reported that 16 women who had fertility problems took 100mg of PABA 4x a day for 3-7 months. 75% became pregnant. The effects of PABA on fertility has not been studied since.
Comments:
While this is not a completely sound source, it definitely raises some curiosity from me. A 75% success rate is amazing, but that was more than 50 years ago. The state of fertility our country in is different now than it was then. Why has there been no further research into PABA an it’s effects on fertility?
What is PABA?
PABA is a part of the B-vitamin complex family; Vitamin B10. It is naturally found in foods including grains, eggs, milk, and meat.
The suggested daily dose used in the study:
The study used 100mg 4x a day. Yet taking PABA as part of a complete B vitamin complex would be the safest way to take it.
Are there any side effects from taking PABA?
There are no side effects from the dosages mentioned here.
- Sieve, B.F. (1942). The clinical effects of a new B complex factor, para-aminobenzoic acid, on pigmentation and fertility. South Med Surg. 104:135–139. Retrieved from http://therapy.epnet.com/nat/GetContent.asp?chunkiid=21831
Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people. Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.
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Update 2014 – We are back! We have been away for a while and we sure have missed all of your wonderful questions and thoughts on our articles. Moving forward, one of our staff herbalists will be here to respond to comments! We look forward to connecting with our readers once again!
Is it safe to take additional PABA along with a good B complex vitamin? If so, how much PABA overall should be taken per day?
Can you continue to take paba once you are pregnant? If not, do you come off it slowly or at a certain time, eg. 10 wks?
PABA is one of the B-vitamins. B-vitamins are considered safe to be used during pregnancy, but it is best to take them as a blend (like in a B complex) instead of one singly.
Were can I buy paba and what are the fertiliy problems it help treat?
Dear Ashley,
PABA is found in a B complex vitamin supplement which can be found at health food stores. It helps boost fertility in general. There has not been research done on PABA for specific fertility issues that I know of.
All the best,
Dalene
Probably because there’s no one to fund the research. PABA is a very cheap supplement. There are much more expensive treatments that bring in big dollars.
But why should “old” research become useless. There’s lots of good data that is considered “dated” and so wasted. The laws of health don’t change with time!