Must-Know Biotin Facts And Their Health Benefits Unveiled!

Sri Dhanya
Mar 20, 2023 By Sri Dhanya
Originally Published on Mar 20, 2023
Fact-checked by Oluwapelumi Iwayemi
Biotin, primarily known as vitamin H, helps the body convert food into energy. This B-complex vitamin helps in maintaining the immune system as well. Know more such biotin facts here.

Biotin, one of the essential vitamin quotients, helps break food content into energy that the body needs. 

Biotin is more of a coenzyme in the body that metabolizes fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Biotin brings various health benefits to the liver, hair, eyes, and healthy skin.

Maintaining a healthy biotin level is very important. People eat meat, eggs, fish, nuts, and vegetables. Apart from this, vitamins are consumed via supplement components.

It is often taken as a supplement to improve the overall health of the hair, skin, and nails. It also does the job of helping the body use enzymes and brings nutrients throughout the body. This article highlights some reasons biotin management is vital for the body.

What is biotin?

Biotin is a type of vitamin found in food items, helping the body to convert food into energy. By the very statement, it would be evident that biotin plays a vital role in maintaining your health. Biotin is all about boosting hair and nail health and is recommended for a healthy pregnancy. In addition, it manages blood sugar levels.

These b vitamins are water-soluble, so your body eliminates what it doesn't need. As a result, biotin deficiency is incredibly rare in healthy adults unless you have a genetic disorder. This disorder affects biotin absorption or takes medication that interferes with its absorption.

Classification Of Biotin As A Vitamin

With a molecular weight of 244.31, biotin is a hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thieno(3,4-d)imidazole-4-pentanoic acid. It is usually colorless and crystalline. It is an organic heterobicyclic compound with a valeric acid substituent.

It also has a part of the tetrahydrothiophene ring. The ChEBI defines biotin as a natural product seen in Aspergillus nidulans. It is also in Lysinibacillus sphaericus and a few other organisms, as per the evidence.

Health Benefits Of Biotin

Apart from the usual health benefits to the nervous system, studies show that biotin helps in diabetes management. It also helps with blood sugar control. This B vitamin regulates blood sugar, especially for diabetic people, so disease management becomes easier.

In addition, these vitamins enhance brain function helping diabetic patients manage neurological symptoms. For instance, it's pretty common to face neuropathy as a part of neurological symptoms in diabetic patients. It means the nerve is damaged or no longer functional.

Biotin is famous for being a healthy hair care component. Studies show that biotin enhances hair health and works on volume, scalp coverage, and shine. Women who experience severe hair fall prefer biotin-based products. However, it is advisable to consult a physician before choosing such exclusive products.

Studies show that biotin is critical in improving the skin's hydration and appearance. It can also enhance fingernails and make them grow faster. Overall, it is safe to say that biotin is a versatile addition to a beauty routine as long as it is used per doctors' advice.

Apart from being a part of the beauty regimen, biotin takes place in prenatal care. Researchers state that biotin deficiencies are common among pregnant ladies and can lead to health issues in babies.

Doctors usually advise pregnant ladies to consume biotin-rich food items. If there is a diet format to follow, they should take biotin supplements. It is essential not to consume dietary supplements without the advice of a doctor, especially during pregnancy.

Symptoms Of Biotin Deficiency In The Body

The symptoms of biotin deficiency gradually start with hair fall. With severe progression, patients can lose all hair on their bodies. They might also have a red rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Seizures, brittle nails, and skin infections are common signs of biotin deficiency. In some cases, neurological problems like depression, hallucination, and lethargy can be added to the list of symptoms.

Biotin is usually the reason for the developmental delay in babies. Suppose there is an unusual distribution of facial fat or rash for people with a deficiency. In that case, it is termed as 'biotin deficiency facies'.

Individuals with biotinidase deficiency are prone to this deficiency. Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder. It ensures the body is no longer releasing free biotin. Despite normal intake, they might face a lack of biotin.

It has to be treated by a professional. Without biotin treatment, these people could face neurological and cutaneous symptoms. In some cases, the similarity of this deficiency, especially in untreated conditions, has led to coma or death. Continuing to take oral biotin for a lifetime is advisable in this case.

People with chronic alcohol exposure are also prone to this deficiency. The plasma biotin concentrations are comparatively low with such alcoholism conditions.

Despite regular biotin intakes, pregnant women develop marginal biotin deficiency. If the woman is lactating, her plasma and breastmilk concentrations could also decrease. It happens despite increased intake of biotin levels.

Trivia

  • It is possible to purchase biotin supplements without a prescription. These biotin supplements can help hair growth by controlling hair loss and skin health. However, claims regarding acne and eczema treatment have not been confirmed. This water-soluble vitamin can also be used for nail problems.
  • Research suggests that the consumption of biotin supplements carries very few health risks.
  • These water-soluble B complex vitamins' biotin' play an essential role in your health. While milk and eggs contribute to better biotin levels, you should reconsider raw eggs in caesar dressing, mayonnaise, and eggnog. The proteins in raw egg whites can prevent adequate intakes of biotin.
  • On the other hand, food processing techniques practically destroy the presence of biotin.
  • The Office of Dietary Supplements Trusted Source suggests the consumption of 30 micrograms of biotin intake for adults. The dosage is 35 micrograms for pregnant women.
  • As a B vitamin that helps with hair loss and skin issues, it is nearly impossible to overdose on biotin. The body sends out excess B vitamins through urination.
  • While biotin is considered safe for most people, there are some side effects that you should consider. These side effects include Diarrhea, Cramping, Nausea, and vomiting. Suppose you experience any of these side effects. In that case, it's recommended that you stop taking biotin and speak with a healthcare professional.
  • Most biotin supplements on the market range from 2.5 mg to 5 mg, an incredibly tiny amount. You could probably find more biotin in a bowl of cereal than in most supplements.
  • When taking biotin, following the supplement bottle's directions is essential. Taking too much biotin can lead to an imbalance in other vitamins and minerals in the body. Speaking with a healthcare professional before taking biotin if you're pregnant or breastfeeding is also essential.

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Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318724

https://www.healthline.com/health/the-benefits-of-biotin

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-biotin

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin

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Written by Sri Dhanya

Bachelor of Science specializing in Mathematics

Sri Dhanya picture

Sri DhanyaBachelor of Science specializing in Mathematics

She is a highly skilled professional with six years of experience in writing and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from PSG College of Arts and Science. In addition to her professional experience, she has also been actively involved in volunteer work, particularly with children for organizations such as the Spartans Association for Youth and as an ambassador for the Charter for Compassion. With her experience in both writing and volunteer work, Sri Dhanya is a well-rounded professional who brings a unique perspective and diverse skillset to any project she works on.

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Fact-checked by Oluwapelumi Iwayemi

Bachelor of Science specializing in Systems Engineering

Oluwapelumi Iwayemi picture

Oluwapelumi IwayemiBachelor of Science specializing in Systems Engineering

Iwayemi is a creative content writer and editor studying for a Bachelor of Science specializing in Systems Engineering from the University of Lagos. He is skilled in research and has experience writing and editing content for different organizations.

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