This article gives us to know the properties of biotin (vitamin H or vitamin B8) Biotin is essential for proper functioning of the body
Biotin
Biotin also called Vitamin B7 or vitamin H, has a very important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, is stored in liver and kidney.
As we have already said, biotin belongs to the B vitamins. It is a water-soluble vitamin, that is, it is soluble in water and is eliminated by the urine that was discovered in 1935.
Properties of Biotin
Biotin is necessary for our body. These are some of its benefits:
- Prevents baldness
- Involved in the formation of hemoglobin.
- It helps keep nails, hair and skin in good condition.
- Contributes to stabilize blood sugar levels.
- It is necessary for the metabolism of proteins and lipids.
- Biotin relieves muscle pain.
- It helps keep the skin well hydrated.
- It helps fight insomnia and depression.
- It works in conjunction with folic acid and pantothenic acid.
What is biotin for?
Biotin is important for its various effects on our body, such as the metabolism of fats, amino acids and carbohydrates, so it is very useful in case of diabetes, hair loss, weak nails and skin care and intervenes in the production of hemoglobin.
Symptoms of biotin or vitamin H deficiency
If we follow a varied diet and balance is very difficult to produce a deficiency of vitamin B8, if the symptoms are:
- Loss of appetite
- Appearance of sores on the tongue.
- Hair loss.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Dryness and rashes on the skin
- Appearance of insomnia, anxiety and even depression.
Biotin sources
We can find it in a large amount of food so, as we have said, suffering from a lack of this vitamin is difficult.
The foods that give us biotin are:
Food of animal origin: meat, egg yolk and viscera especially the liver. Milk is also a source of biotin.
Plant-based foods: brewer's yeast, whole grains, mushrooms, nuts, soybeans, peas, chickpeas and in some fruits such as bananas, grapes or watermelons.
Is it worth supplementing? and in what cases?
In some cases if it is necessary to take biotin supplements:
Hair loss, weak and brittle nails (both hands and feet), diabetes, when intervening in the formation of hemoglobin is important in cases of anemia due to lack of iron.
Sometimes the lack of iron is associated with hair loss and brittle nails, so that biotin supplementation will benefit us greatly for the formation of hemoglobin.
Did you know…?
Biotin is absorbed by the intestine, so a good diet that provides biotin-rich foods is the most appropriate way to provide the body with this vitamin. But, we always have the alternative of supplementation.