Biotin - The Proven Health Benefits

Biotin is a vitamin that is essential for energy production and cell growth. The name biotin comes from the Greek word, “biotos”, which means sustenance or life. This little powerhouse vitamin lives up to its name by being essential in all our cellular processes, maintaining liver, nerve, hair, skin and nails.

While most people get enough biotin from their diet to prevent outright deficiency, getting more biotin can be beneficial to your health, especially for those who struggle with absorption of nutrients.

 

Most people will be able to get enough biotin from food, but there are some who are at an increased risk for biotin deficiency, including:

·        People with intestinal issues that cause malabsorption such as Chron’s diseaseleaky gut syndrome and Celiac disease.

·        People who have a prolonged use of antibiotics.

·        People with a prolonged use of anti-seizure medicine.

·        People who have genetic difficulties in absorbing biotin

When biotin levels are low, they can cause the following symptoms:

·        Fatigue and chronic lack of energy

·        Brittle nails and hair

·        Hair loss

·        Digestive problems

·        Skin dryness and irritation

·        Nerve damage

·        Muscular pain and cramps

·        Mood swings

·        A tingling in your limbs.

Deficiencies are most commonly noticed in tissues with a high turnover such as skin and nails and they often respond quickly to supplemented biotin.

 

What are the best food sources of biotin?

·        Raspberries

·        Avocado

·        Cauliflower

·        Mushrooms

·        Eggs

·        Liver

·        Salmon

What are some of the important roles that biotin plays?

Supports metabolic rates
Along with boosting metabolism, biotin can also aid in weight loss. Essentially, consuming or ingesting biotin elevates your resting rate of metabolism. As this vitamin increases your metabolism, it can help accelerate weight loss

Supports healthy cell growth
One of vitamin H’s primary roles is to regulate the formation of DNA. This ensures that the genetic information in each cell works properly and replicates correctly. Though strong cell development is always important, it’s especially critical when your cells are dividing rapidly, such as during pregnancy.

Helps with hair loss by encouraging hair growth
One of the biggest benefits of biotin is that it helps stimulate hair growth, causing hair to thicken and appear more lustrous. Biotin can also help hair look healthier while growing more quickly and sustainably. This is beneficial for healthy people who want their hair to look its best, as well as those with health issues that lead to lackluster hair.

Helps maintain skin & nails
For many people, a Vitamin H deficiency can also lead to significant problems with their skin’s inner health and outer appearance. Dry, itchy skin is one of the most common issues, although more serious conditions like acne and psoriasis can also arise. Keep in mind that if you don’t nourish your skin from the inside out, resulting hormonal issues can result in serious skin problems. In most cases, a biotin supplement can correct the issue, improving skin and helping to create a youthful glow.
Higher doses of biotin have resulted in significant nail health improvement. Studies have shown that those who take a biotin supplement can thicken their nails by up to 25 percent and decrease the amount of nail splitting and breakage they endure.

Helps reduce blood sugars & bad cholesterol
For diabetics or those who struggle with maintaining a healthy blood sugar level, biotin can be particularly helpful. Studies have shown that this B complex vitamin has the power to lower blood glucose levels in people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by stimulating the secretion of insulin. Research has shown that this vitamin can help lower LDL levels while increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein, otherwise known as good cholesterol. Since B complex vitamins are also important in reducing inflammation and plaque build-up in arteries, biotin can also help lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Diabetics and others who are particularly susceptible to heart disease will find this benefit particularly helpful.

Supports the immune system
Previous studies have shown that biotin deficiency impacts the functions of immune function particularly those of NK and T cells. Investigations into the effect of biotin on dendritic cell (DC) functions revealed that deficiency of this vitamin results in enhanced proinflammatory cytokine secretion from DCs.

Protects brain function
Along with the other B complex vitamins, biotin keeps your nervous system inworking order by assisting with neurotransmitter activity and helping with nerve signaling. B vitamins also protect your brain, improve your memory, and help form a defense against cognitive issues and neurodegenerative disorders

 

When would we consider injections?

Many people find biotin injections helpful when they are experiencing issues with hair, skin and nails. Although we encourage getting as much biotin through the diet, if there are difficulties with absorption, biotin injections can be very helpful to bring nutrient levels up quickly and safely.

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