Biotin, a water-soluble vitamin, is a necessity for human cell growth, the production of essential fatty acids, and the metabolism of both fats and amino acids. Biotin is an essential B vitamin that helps the formation of fatty acids and glucose, which help the human body to produce energy. Supplements of Biotin have also been known as a natural way to combat hair loss in both children and adults.
Biotin is a magical vitamin, according to many, as it is known to promote healthy hair, skin, sweat glands, nerve tissue, and bone marrow. It is even known to help alleviate muscle pain. Biotin deficiency leads to skin rashes, hair loss, high cholesterol, and heart problems. Without Biotin, there are certain enzymes in the body that will not work properly causing many complications to the intestinal tract and nervous system.
How much is needed?
A healthy adult should get 30 to 100 micrograms of Biotin, daily, from their normal diet. Because Biotin is water-soluble, it needs to be replenished regularly. Studies have shown that Biotin will not only promote a healthy nervous system, but a healthy blood fat metabolism as well. Humans who adhere to healthy diet are rarely at risk for Biotin deficiency, unless they are being treated with certain anticonvulsants or antibiotics.
Hair Loss and Biotin
Hair loss is a common symptom of a biotin deficiency and can actually spread to the loss of eyelashes and eyebrows in some of the most severe Biotin deficiency cases. The long-term use of antibiotics may also interfere with the body’s natural production of Biotin in the human intestine and ultimately increase the risk of deficiency symptoms, which can include dermatitis, depression, anemia, and nausea, in addition to hair loss.
While many Biotin supplements will help to promote faster hair growth, it is imperative that the hair is cared for to avoid breaking. Those suffering from hair loss should use shampoo enriched with biotin and silica to prevent further hair loss.
How safe are Biotin Supplements?
If they are used according to instructions and general guidelines for dosage levels, dietary supplements such as Biotin supplements are a safe and easy way to maintaining the necessary daily biotin levels that the human body needs. Biotin supplements are frequently encouraged to be part of the diets of individuals that may have poor eating habits and suffer from poor nutrition.
This may include those individuals that use intravenous feeding tubs, those who suffer from anorexia, and those who may be missing a portion of their small intestine. Even missing a Biotin supplement for a day or two is no cause for alarm, because it takes some time for your body to become depleted of Biotin. Biotin supplements have also been used to help reduce blood sugar in diabetic patients.
Biotin supplements are safe, even if they are taken in large doses, and have no known toxic effects and side effects, if the vitamin is taken as recommended. In addition to being taken as an individual supplement, Biotin is available in both multivitamin and vitamin B complexes.
