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What is biotin and what are its health benefits?


You only need to have hair loss once in your life to know the name of biotin. Biotin is one of the most important B vitamins, also called vitamin B7 or H. Hair loss is not the only reason to buy and use biotin pills. In this article, we will fully explain to you what biotin is and why you should pay attention to its consumption.

What we read in this article

What is Vitamin B7 or Biotin?

Biotin is one of the eight B vitamins that, like the rest, are water soluble and are involved in regulating metabolism and energy production. This vitamin is not stored in the body and the excess will be excreted from the body. Vitamin B7 is in the group of essential micronutrients, which means that the human body needs it to perform its functions properly. Biotin has important functions in the body, the most important of which are:

Strengthen hair, prevent hair loss and treat hair loss

Some research shows that biotin tablets make hair regrowth possible in people with vitamin D deficiency. It should be noted here that this has not been confirmed in many other studies. However, statistics and objective evidence show that many people get rid of hair loss after taking biotin pills. The effect of biotin on increasing hair thickness, hair thickness and shine has also been proven in some studies, although it is not yet possible to say for sure.

Nail strength

Creatine is one of the main structures of skin, hair and nails. Biotin helps stimulate creatine production in the body. Therefore, brittle and weak nails can be improved by proper supply of biotin in the body.

Maintain skin health

In answer to the question of what biotin is, we must also mention the important role of this micronutrient in maintaining healthy skin. This vitamin helps maintain the skin’s mucous membranes. One of the symptoms of vitamin B7 deficiency is small pimples and scaling of the skin. Biotin also plays an important role in the process of fat metabolism, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Research has shown that regular consumption of raw egg whites is effective in causing biotin deficiency. Avoid eating raw eggs.

Help treat diabetes

Some research suggests that people with type 2 diabetes may be able to have better blood glucose levels by taking biotin supplements. Biotin pills help regulate blood sugar and are effective in improving people with diabetes. According to some animal studies, biotin may also help prevent kidney damage in people with type 1 diabetes. More research is needed.

Regulate metabolism and help lose weight

Biotin burns fat, protein and carbohydrates and helps produce energy. Regular consumption of this vitamin in food regulates metabolism and may be effective in weight loss.

Boost brain function

Sources of vitamin H are needed for effective brain function. We all need the right amount of biotin to form a myelin sheath. Myelin is a fat substance that protects the brain against various problems. Normal brain function also depends on consuming adequate amounts of biotin.

What is the importance of biotin consumption during pregnancy?

Biotin deficiency is rare, but statistics show that it is more common in pregnant and lactating women. Biotin is involved in the development of the main organs of the fetus and along with folic acid must be used during pregnancy and lactation. Pregnancy multivitamins usually contain adequate amounts of biotin, so it is not necessary to use this vitamin in pill form.

Infographic of biotin function in the body

Biotin for patients with MS

Vitamin B7 due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties may be effective in curing MS. Some studies have examined and confirmed the use of biotin in people with MS. However, taking biotin supplements without consulting a doctor is not recommended for people with MS.

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Causes of biotin deficiency in the body

What causes biotin deficiency? Note the following:

  • Improper nutrition and non-use of biotin food sources
  • Taking drugs that interfere with the absorption of biotin and other vitamins
  • Intestinal disorders
  • Genetic disorders

Signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency in the body

Suspect biotin deficiency in your body by seeing the following symptoms:

  • Hair loss and having weak and brittle hair
  • Red skin rash around the eyes, nose and mouth
  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • numb
  • Fatigue
  • Tingling of limbs
  • insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry eyes
  • Fungal infections

However, a lack of biotin in the body should be checked by a doctor to make sure it is present or not.

Symptoms of biotin deficiency

Food sources containing biotin

What is the best food to help supply biotin? By including the following foods in your diet, you can be sure that you will not have biotin deficiency and its side effects:

  • Meat
  • Liver and offal
  • Yolk
  • beans
  • Cheese
  • Cabbage and leafy vegetables
  • Mushrooms
  • Nuts in nuts and their butter

Table of recommended amount of biotin consumption per day

In the table below you can see the recommended amount of biotin consumption per day at different ages:

AgeBiotin intake (in micrograms)
From birth to 6 months5
7 to 12 months6
1 to 3 years old8
4 to 8 years old۱۲
9 to 13 years old20
14 to 18 years old۲۵
19 years and older30

It should be noted that pregnant and lactating women of any age need 30 and 35 micrograms of biotin per day, respectively.

What are the side effects of biotin overdose?

Biotin tablets are completely safe and secure and will have no side effects if prescribed in the right amounts by your doctor. Overuse of biotin supplements can cause skin rashes, upset the digestive system, disrupt insulin regulation, and cause kidney problems. Always pay attention to your dose.

Biotin drug interaction

Taking some medications at the same time as biotin tablets may interfere with the absorption of biotin or reduce the absorption of other drugs. In the following cases, if you are taking these drugs, consult your doctor before attempting to use biotin tablets:

  • Carbamazepine
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • پریمیدون

The last word

In this article, we explained to you what biotin is and what its benefits are. Here’s almost everything you need to know about vitamin B7 or biotin. If you still have a question, dear reader, we will answer you in the magazine of Green Positive Online Pharmacy with the most experienced doctors. See the comments section at the end of this article.

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