Biotin what is it used for

Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Biotin is a B vitamin often recommended for hair health. Since biotin deficiency can lead to thinning of the hair, some people claim that taking biotin supplements can thicken hair and stimulate growth. Biotin is available in pill or tablet form, and there are also with biotin-enriched hair products.

These products can be expensive and some brands aren't as reputable as others. But the good news is that many foods are also rich with biotin—many of which are listed below. This article discusses the possible benefits of biotin for your hair and health. It also covers the potential side effects that may come with biotin supplements. Biotin is an essential vitamin—meaning that your body needs this micronutrient to function properly. The biotin you consume in foods helps your body turn the food you eat protein, carbohydrates, and fat into energy.

Taking a biotin supplement is likely effective for treating biotin deficiency. However, some biotin supplements claim to have additional health benefits that are not supported by scientific evidence. This video has been medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD. Manufacturers claim that shampoo, conditioner, hair oils , masks, and creams containing biotin can thicken hair, increase fullness, and add shine.

A handful of research studies have shown that biotin supplementation may help stimulate hair regrowth in people who have a clinical biotin deficiency or alopecia hair loss.

That said, researchers also note that hair regrowth is often caused by many factors and may not be due to biotin supplementation at all. Furthermore, there is no evidence that biotin supplementation is beneficial for people who do not have an underlying condition causing their hair to thin.

Haircare products containing biotin may claim to treat brittle, thinning, or flat hair, but these claims are not supported by science. Other possible benefits of biotin include the treatment of:. Note : There is insufficient scientific evidence to know for sure if biotin can treat any of these conditions. Biotin supplements can cause problems if you take too much.

Side effects can include skin rashes, digestive upset, problems with insulin release, and kidney problems.

According to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine , biotin treatment was said to interfere with laboratory tests and mimic Graves' disease —a condition that causes the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone. As with any supplement, the safety of long-term or high-dose use isn't known. According to the National Institutes of Health, 30 micrograms mcg is the adequate daily intake for adults 19 years of age and older.

People can usually get this amount through their diet. Still, people who support its use often recommend taking 2 to 5 milligrams mg of biotin in supplement form daily in order to strengthen hair and achieve results. Although biotin is a water-soluble vitamin the excess is excreted in urine and feces , the safety of using any amount of biotin in supplement form is unknown.

As with many other supplements, biotin hasn't been tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications. Biotin deficiency can occur in people who consume a lot of raw egg whites. That's because uncooked eggs contain avidin—a protein that blocks the absorption of biotin.

Biotin therapy may help treat some medical conditions. Some people take supplements to strengthen their nails and hair, but there is a lack of evidence supporting this use. This article looks at why we need biotin, the recommended intake, sources, and any possible health risks. Mild biotin deficiency is often seen during pregnancy.

It can lead to abnormal development in the fetus. Folic acid supplementation is recommended both the year before and during pregnancy. It is sensible to obtain a multivitamin that provides at least 30 mcg of biotin per day, in addition to folic acid, to decrease the risk of a deficiency. There is some evidence that biotin may improve the strength and durability of fingernails and enhance hair and skin health. A study published in found that among 45 patients who took a supplement of 2.

Research published in found that women with thinning hair experienced some reduction in shedding after taking an oral marine protein supplement MPS for 90 days. However, biotin was only one ingredient in this supplement, and the research was sponsored by a company that sells health and beauty products. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements ODS , there is little evidence that biotin supplements can strengthen nails and promote healthy hair.

Further studies are needed to support the use of biotin supplements for this purpose in healthy individuals. Results have been promising. In animal studies, biotin was shown to stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas and subsequently to lower blood glucose. Research published in indicated that biotin may assist with glycemic control in people with type I diabetes.

It may also help reduce nerve damage in people who have diabetes or who are undergoing dialysis for kidney disease. In , scientists found that three patients who took a high dose of biotin for 1 to 2 years saw an improvement in symptoms.

Biotin is necessary for the activity of pyruvate carboxylase. Without this, high levels of pyruvate and aspartate may arise, and this can adversely affect the nerves. This is a rare, inherited disorder. It affects a part of the nervous system that controls movement. It can lead to involuntary tensing of muscles, muscle rigidity, muscle weakness, and other problems. The condition appears to respond to treatment with thiamin and biotin.

They also contain the popular antioxidant called beta-carotene which is known for its amazing benefits for the skin. The regular consumption of biotin from biotin sources helps the body to reach the desired amount of biotin for its growth.

Benefits of Vitamin H Biotin include:. If you are aware of what is biotin, then you must be aware of the fact that its regular consumption can help in regulating and improving the metabolism levels in the body.

Biotin uses the fat, proteins , and carbohydrates available in the metabolism and converts them into the desired form of energy. One of the major vitamin B7 benefits is to protect the heart from possible problems. It has been observed that the regular consumption of biotin in an adequate quantity can stimulate the blood flow inside the heart and thus prevents the heart from many common problems.

Biotin helps in increasing the high-density lipoprotein and decreasing the low-density lipoprotein which reduces heart risks. Are you aware that vitamin H sources are also needed for the effective functioning of your brain?

The brain needs biotin for the formation of the myelin sheath, one of the fatty substances which are needed for protecting the brain from the various problems. It also helps in regulating the normal functioning of the brain. Foods high in biotin are needed for the desired generation of white blood cells which are seen linked to boosting the immunity power of the body.

This is also one of the vitamin B7 biotin benefits that are needed by your body. The deficiency in the biotin levels is seen associated with the various immunity system risks and problems. Biotin helps in reducing blood sugar levels by increasing the production of insulin in the body and also by enhancing the glucose levels in the body.

Vitamin b7, biotin, is known to be quite effective in controlling type-2 diabetes. Vitamin B7 plays a vital role during pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding time. The regular consumption of vitamin B7 foods brings their best benefits regarding pregnancy as well as when you are breastfeeding your newborn.

In this case, it is not just you, who is getting the benefits of biotin, but your baby too gets the desired benefits. Thanks to the anti-inflammation properties of biotin, it can be used against inflammation and allergic diseases.