Sometimes called Vitamin B-7, Biotin is a water soluble B vitamin that may help with multiple functions within the body. These range from energy production to the health of our hair, skin, and nails. It is an essential vitamin, therefor it needs to be acquired through the diet or supplementation.
Healthy Metabolism and Energy Production
Biotin is a key factor in several enzymes needed to digest fats and carbohydrates. If biotin levels are low, production of these enzymes are slowed, in turn lowering the bodies ability to metabolize carbs and fats. Biotin is also important in the breakdown of Amino Acids like Leucine.
By assisting the digestion of fats, carbs, and proteins, biotin has a direct effect on energy production in the body, and lower levels can most certainly effect perceived energy levels.
Hair, Skin, and Nails
Many hair, skin, and nail supplements include biotin in their ingredient profiles, and it is considered to be very beneficial to the health of those 3.
While there isn't enough evidence that supports biotin increasing hair growth, supplementation has shown positive results in reducing hair loss in people deficient in Biotin. Therefor those who are lacking biotin are the most likely to benefit from a biotin supplement for their hair.
Similar is true for nails, as a deficiency in biotin can cause cracked cuticles, biotin can help to thicken cuticle growth and prevent this breakage from occurring.
For skin health, biotin deficiency is linked to multiple skin disorders, potentially causing red, scaly rashes to appear. Cradle Cap (seborrheic dermatitis) is sometimes caused by a biotin deficiency.
Blood Glucose Levels
Some studies have shown reduced levels of Biotin can result in lowered glucose tolerances and an inability for the body to utilize glucose. One in particular found that biotin, in combination with Chromium Picolinate can help with sugar control in overweight persons with type 2 diabetes.
Biotin deficiency can result in a number of different issues, and can be the result of things like smoking, alcoholism, pregnancy, digestive issues such as Chron's disease, or diets loaded with processed foods. Luckily biotin supplementation has shown an ability to lower the problems associated with a biotin deficiency. Below are a few different supplements we carry containing biotin.
Now Foods Biotin 1,000 MCG
New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Multivitamin
Formulated with higher amounts of Biotin and other necessary nutrients for new Mothers.
Carlson Labs Hair, Skin, & Nails Gummies
With a combination of vitamins and minerals including Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin E, as well as type 1 and 3 collage, this is designed to help maintain and improve the health of your hair, skin, & nails.
