❓ What Is Vitamin B10?

"Vitamin B10" is the old name for Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA).

PABA is a compound once thought to be essential, especially for bacteria and plants, but it’s no longer classified as a vitamin for humans.

🧬 What Does PABA (Vitamin B10) Do?

🧫 1. Supports Gut Microbes

• Acts as a building block for bacteria to synthesize folic acid (vitamin B9)

• Not essential for humans because we don’t rely on PABA to make folate

🌞 2. Was Used in Sunscreens

• PABA was once a common UV-blocking agent in sunscreens

• It’s now rarely used due to allergic reactions and skin sensitivity

🧖 3. Linked to Skin & Hair Health

• Sometimes marketed as a supplement for:

  • Skin elasticity

  • Preventing premature gray hair (evidence is weak)

⚠️ Is It Essential?

No.
PABA is not an essential nutrient for humans, which is why it's not officially classified as Vitamin B10 anymore.

Your body doesn't require it from diet or supplements, and you can function perfectly without it.

🧫 Natural Sources (If You're Curious)

Food PABA Content

Liver Trace amounts

Whole grains Minimal

Brewer’s yeast Contains PABA

Mushrooms Low levels

Spinach Small amounts

💊 Supplements?

• PABA is still available as a standalone supplement or included in some “hair, skin & nails” blends

• Not widely used or recommended in modern nutrition

🛑 Safety Note:

High doses of PABA (gram-level) have been linked to:

• Nausea

• Liver toxicity

• Skin rashes

So even though it's sold as a supplement, it’s best used with caution, if at all.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Vitamin B10 (PABA) is a nutritional relic—fascinating in theory, but no longer considered essential in modern human nutrition.

So while it has historical ties to the B-vitamin group, it's not something most people need to worry about supplementing today.