Biotin is a vitamin B complex required by every cell in the body. B vitamins are a class of chemically distinct vitamins that help the body process food into energy. Also known as vitamin H, coenzyme R and vitamin B7, biotin helps the body metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The human body needs biotin for normal growth and development, and the vitamin is especially critical for healthy embryonic growth. Biotin can also help keep skin, nails and hair healthy.
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin (water-soluble), unlike fat-soluble (fat-soluble). Unused water-soluble vitamins (B complex and vitamin C) pass quickly through the body and are excreted in the urine. The body does not store them and supplies must be replenished regularly. And, because the body excretes excess amounts, water-soluble vitamins usually do not accumulate to toxic levels.
TRX2® Molecular Supplement for Hair 1 Month Supply Natural Biotin Selenium Zink Hair Loss Treatment
Biotin is crucial for good health and there are two sources from which the human body gets it. The first is the diet; the second is bacteria. Biotin can be synthesized by the microbiome; the beneficial bacteria in the intestine.
Health benefits of biotin (vitamin B7)
1. Biotin helps metabolic processes
Biotin is a cofactor required by several carboxylase enzymes for the transfer of carbon dioxide. In simpler terms, biotin helps cells metabolize fatty acids and amino acids, and also helps in the chemical formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This means that biotin is crucial to maintain a normal and balanced metabolism.
2. Biotin supports the health of hair, skin and nails
Biotin is an important nutrient for healthy hair, nails and skin. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of women with thinning hair found that biotin can be a supplement capable of stimulating healthy-looking hair. The study found that women who took biotin supplements significantly increased their count, volume, coverage and thickness compared to the control group. A separate study found that biotin can help thicken and strengthen brittle nails.
Biotin deficiency can lead to rashes and skin lesions. Studies have found that supplementation can help remedy skin problems caused by biotin deficiency. In a notable case, dogs with fur and skin conditions received an oral biotin supplement. 60% of the subjects showed complete recovery after treatment, and an additional 31% showed improvement. Only 9% showed no effect.
3. Biotin can improve glucose levels
Biotin plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Multiple studies suggest that biotin alone or in combination with chromium stimulates normal levels of blood sugar. Unbalanced blood sugar often accompanies low levels of biotin.
4. Biotin and pregnancy
Obtaining enough biotin is a concern for pregnant women. Animal tests have found that biotin deficiency can cause birth defects. Because biotin does not easily pass to the fetus, a biotin deficiency can be extended between mother and child. Even a mild or limited biotin deficiency in the mother can result in a serious deficiency for the fetus. This can cause problems of fetal development, especially malformations of the skeletal system. According to a study, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may require more biotin in their diet than reported by current estimates.
Sources of biotin
Foods rich in biotin
The best way to supply the body with the correct amount of biotin is to eat a lot of foods rich in biotin. Foods rich in biotin are the same foods that are generally good sources of B vitamins. Animal sources such as pork, organ meat, egg yolk and milk are rich in biotin. Vegan sources include yeast, legumes, avocados, nuts and chocolate.
Biotin supplements
While food is always the best way to provide the body with the nutrients it needs, supplementation may be necessary if the diet does not provide consistent and complete nutrition.
There are different varieties of biotin. The d-biotin is recommended, the only form of active biotin of natural origin.