Vitamin B10; Deficiency Symptoms, Food Source, Health Benefit

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 4 min read
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Vitamin B10 also known as PABA (para amino benzoic acid), is an essential vitamin belonging to the class of B complex vitamins. Earlier, vitamin B10 was referred to as vitamin R, but it has recently been renamed to PABA. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a naturally...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Vitamin B10 also known as PABA (para amino benzoic acid), is an essential vitamin belonging to the class of B complex vitamins. Earlier, vitamin B10 was referred to as vitamin R, but it has recently been renamed to PABA. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a naturally occurring, non-protein amino acid. It was once thought to be a B vitamin, but is now known to be neither...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin B10  in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Food Sources of Vitamin B10 in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Dosage of Vitamin B10 Supplements in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Health Benefit of Vitamin B10 in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
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Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Vitamin B10 also known as PABA (para amino benzoic acid), is an essential vitamin belonging to the class of B complex vitamins. Earlier, vitamin B10 was referred to as vitamin R, but it has recently been renamed to PABA.

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a naturally occurring, non-protein amino acid. It was once thought to be a B vitamin, but is now known to be neither a vitamin nor an essential nutrient in humans. Dietary PABA deficiency is not an issue in humans, though PABA can be found in liver, kidney, wheat germ, bran, and yogurt. PABA is most well-known as a part of some sunscreen products, since it can absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. PABA is also part of many different agents, including those that treat abnormal heart rhythms, bacterial infection, seizures, nausea and vomiting, cancer, mental illnesses, stomach issues, and pain.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin B10 

Deficiency of vitamin B10 leads to the following symptoms and conditions

Food Sources of Vitamin B10

Vitamin B10 is found abundantly in plant and animal sources. Rich sources of vitamin B10 include:

  • green leafy vegetables
  • whole grains
  • molasses
  • eggs
  • yogurt
  • wheat germ
  • mushrooms

Dosage of Vitamin B10 Supplements

The amount of vitamin B10 to be taken has not yet been established. However, the Food and Nutrition Board has given certain dietary guidelines mentioned below:

  • Infants: 50mcg/day
  • Children: 200 – 300 mcg/day
  • Adults:
    – 400 mcg/day
    – 800mcg (during pregnancy)
    – 600mcg / day (during lactation)

Health Benefit of Vitamin B10

  • Despite the lack of any recognized syndromes of PABA deficiency in humans, except for a few people who lack the bacteria that generate PABA in their colons, many claims of benefit are made by commercial suppliers of PABA as a nutritional supplement. Benefit is claimed for fatigue, irritability, depression, weeping eczema (moist eczema), scleroderma (premature hardening of skin), patchy pigment loss in skin (vitiligo), and premature grey hair.
  • Vitamin B10 is used for the growth of beneficial microorganisms inside the body. It also prevents the bacteriostatic properties of certain drugs as it has a chemical structure similar to sulphonamides.
  • Vitamin B10 protects the skin from free radicals that may otherwise damage the skin and make it prone to infections. The free radicals that the skin may be exposed to are in the harmful chemicals present in polluted air and ultraviolet rays of the sun. Sunscreen lotion, containing PABA, when applied externally on the skin prevents pigmentation. Apart from its protective effect on the skin, vitamin B10 also treats various skin diseases known as fibrotic disorder.
  • Supplementation of vitamin B10 also corrects irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disturbances and various inflammatory reactions. PABA also acts as a coenzyme which aids in optimal utilization of protein by the cells.
  • Vitamin B10 acts as an anti allergen, which means it will treat and prevent skin allergies and diseases such as eczema and vitiligo. It has shown positive health effects in curing rheumatic fever. It is also effective as an anti ageing agent; it removes the fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots from the skin and prevents premature ageing. The use of vitamin B10 in various skin lotions has been the reason for cause of allergy in some individuals. Hence its use has been limited. Individuals prone to allergy should discontinue its use.
  • Vitamin B10 is used in the production of folic acid by the intestinal bacteria inside our body. It also acts as a coenzyme for its active role in protein metabolism and formation of red blood cells.
  • The potassium salt is used as a drug against fibrotic skin disorders, such as Peyronie’s disease, under the trade name Potaba. PABA is also occasionally used in pill form by sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome to treat its associated gastrointestinal symptoms, and in nutritional epidemiological studies to assess the completeness of 24-hour urine collection for the determination of urinary sodium, potassium, or nitrogen levels.
  • Vitamin B10 is found helpful in the formation of erythrocyte also called red blood cells.
  • This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of for folic acid.
  • It is very useful when used in sunscreen. It is also necessary for those individuals who want to avoid the ultraviolet UV) rays coming from the sun that can lead to skin neoplasia.
  • It is also found to be beneficial in hair pigmentation and skin.
  • Vitamin B11 has anti-allergic and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory effects.
  • It is essential for the growth of skin and its normal color.
  • It is important for smooth amino acids metabolism.
  • It was once used to combat rheumatic fever.
  • It provides protection from damaging effects of ozone
  • It acts as a coenzyme and causes protein utilization in the body.

References

  1.  Nutritional Health Resource
  2. https://www.medasq.com/article/1/vitamin-b10/
  3. Para-aminobenzoic acid”. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. United States National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-Aminobenzoic_acid
  5. Folate Synthesis (Abstract)
  6. Jump up^ “Compound Summary on PubChem”. PubChem. National Institute of Health: National Library of Medicine. 2006. Retrieved 2006-04-05.
  7. https://www.dailyhealthmagazine.com/vitamin-b10/
  8.  Health Library (Supplements) PABA
  9.  Melanoma Madness The scientific flap over sunscreens and skin cancer — Chemical studies, Science News Online, 6/6/98 (accessed 10/1/2009, 2009)

Vitamin B10; Deficiency Symptoms, Food Source, Health Benefit

Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Vitamin B10; Deficiency Symptoms, Food Source, Health Benefit

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.

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