a vitamin-like substance and a growth factor required by several types of microorganisms. In bacteria, PABA is used in the synthesis of the vitamin folic acid. The drug sulfanilamide is effective in treating some bacterial diseases because it prevents the bacterial utilization of PABA in the synthesis of folic acid.

PABA is not an essential nutrient for vertebrates, since they do not synthesize their own folic acid. PABA is present in high concentrations in brewer's yeast, and it is perhaps best-known as an ultraviolet screen and as an active ingredient of some sun lotions.