Benefits of Biotin

24 Jul 2020

biotin Hair health Lifestyle

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The shortest horror story? A receding hairline! Yes, we understand the heartbreak of checking your thinning hair in the mirror everyday – it alters your appearance over a period of time and might affect your confidence too. Hectic urban lifestyle, stress and unhealthy diet, along with genetics and hormones are all culprits for hair problems. However, there is a respite. To reverse hair damage, many are turning to this wonder vitamin called biotin.

Biotin has been scientifically proven to offer exceptional hair benefits as well as work wonders for your nails and skin. So, let’s uncover the basics of biotin and how this vitamin can help enhance your beauty.

What Is Biotin?

Biotin is a water-soluble, B-complex vitamin also known as vitamin B7. It is known for supporting healthy metabolism, digestion, nerve functions, and cardiovascular functions. This nutrient is essential for metabolizing fats and carbohydrates, and works well with vitamin B5 to strengthen hair, increase nail thickness, and prevent split ends and thinning of hair .

Biotin & Beauty: What’s The Connection?

Hair

Biotin deficiency leads to hair loss, which indicates that it is involved in maintaining hair health . B vitamins help in creating amino acids that produce keratin (the protein that our hair is made up of) making biotin essential for hair growth and maintaining hair health.

A few studies have shown that taking biotin in conjunction with zinc, vitamin C and marine protein, can reduce hair shedding, strengthen hair, and increase the growth rate .

Skin

Lack of biotin in the body can show on the skin as rashes which can be nasty. Therefore, it is essential to maintain adequate levels of this vitamin to maintain healthy-looking skin .

Additionally, it also nourishes it and assists in protecting new cells. It also promotes healthy metabolism which is linked to glowing skin .

Nails

Clinical studies and research have shown that biotin can strengthen weak and brittle nails. A Swiss study demonstrated a 25% increase in the nail plate thickness in the subjects with brittle nails when they took biotin supplements regularly . Chronic nail biters and people who love experimenting with their nails using acrylic extensions, etc. can protect their nails from severe damage and benefit from this vitamin.

Other Health Benefits of Biotin

Diabetes Management

Although the best-known benefits of vitamin h or biotin pertain to hair, skin, and nail care, the nutrient may also have a role to play in diabetes care. Some research suggests that one of the advantages of biotin supplementation could be regulation of blood sugar or glucose levels (5). However, more research is needed in this regard. Similarly, another study looking at possible benefits of vitamin b7 or biotin in diabetics found that the nutrient may lower the risk of kidney damage (6). This nephroprotective or kidney protective benefit is specifically in the context of insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes.

Nutrient Metabolism

When most people list out the health benefits of biotin, nutrient metabolism doesn’t usually cut it. However, this is one of the key benefits of biotin as it plays an important role in the conversion of food into energy, supporting enzymes that are needed to metabolize carbs, fats, and proteins. For example, biotin-containing enzymes are needed for the metabolism of a number of amino acids, which are regarded as the building blocks of muscle cells and most cellular growth. These metabolic benefits of vitamin H are also notable in the processes of gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis.

Causes And Results Of Biotin Deficiency

Biotin deficiency results from inadequate dietary intake, alcoholism, smoking, or a genetic disorder. Long-term use of antibiotics has also been associated with biotin deficiency due to the changes it causes to the gut flora. The symptoms of this condition include skin rashes, thinning hair, brittle nails, and hair loss . However, it is advised to consult a doctor to determine if you are really suffering from biotin deficiency.

Sources Of Biotin

Biotin is a vitamin that can be found in foods such as fish, meats, eggs, seeds, nuts, whole-grain cereals, whole wheat bread, cheese, avocado, bananas, sweet potatoes, etc. While these may work, if you want to see a significant difference to your hair opt for supplements such as Setu Biotin. It has 10,000 mcg of this essential vitamin and is recommended for both men and women. Additionally, all Setu products are made from high-quality ingredients, are clinically studied, have no side effects and offer exceptional bioavailability.

Even though they are safe and effective, we recommend consulting a professional before starting any supplement regime.

Elizabeth Bangera

Armed with an MSc. in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Elizabeth wears many hats and is skilled in everything from weight loss to diabetes and cardiac care management.