Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin. It is also known as Vitamin B7. Biotin is a part of the Vitamin B complex, which is a group of key nutrients needed for healthy cardiovascular, digestive, nerve, and metabolic functions. A biotin deficiency is rare in nations where people consume enough calories and food in general. Recently, biotin products have become a trend among consumers wishing to have longer and healthier nails and hair. There are different products that have biotin as their components, such as biotin shampoos, skin care serums, and lotions, biotin vitamins that include other B vitamins, and biotin pills.
Some of the best food sources of biotin include whole grain bread, cauliflower, raspberries, avocado, cheese, salmon, yeast, eggs, and liver. One interesting fact about biotin is that is found in egg yolks and in the egg white is not present at all. It is acting as a coenzyme in the body that is needed for the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. Here are some health benefits of biotin:
Health Benefits of Biotin
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Needed to build and repair tissues and muscles:
Biotin can help in the growth and maintenance of the bodily tissues and it can help to repair and build muscles. When the tissue or muscle is broken down, then biotin works to build back the strength of muscle tissue which leads to growth. Also, it can help to reduce inflammation which can result in muscle or joint aches, pains, or trouble moving. A deficiency in biotin can stunt growth and result in improper development in fetuses and infants. This is a reason biotin and other B vitamins are important during pregnancy.
Supports thyroid and adrenal function:
Biotin is needed for proper thyroid activity and defending against adrenal fatigue. The thyroid gland and adrenal gland are master glands that are responsible for multiple body states, including energy, mood, pain perception, sleep, and hunger. A deficiency in biotin can result in thyroid and adrenal complications and it can cause many negative symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, weight gain or loss, or fatigue. But, in some cases, taking high amounts of biotin can lead to problems with thyroid or endocrine health. So, so you need to talk with your doctor before you start taking biotin supplements.
Helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system:
Biotin is playing an important role in the defense against common causes of heart diseases, including stroke, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. In some studies are shown that biotin and chromium together can help to improve cholesterol levels. It has been shown that biotin can increase good cholesterol, while it can help to lower bad cholesterol. This is especially true for people with diabetes and people who are susceptible to heart disease.
Protects brain function and fights cognitive decline:
Biotin has many benefits for the nervous system due to its role in nerve signaling and neurotransmitter activity. B vitamins are working together to influence memory function and defend against age-related cognitive impairment, such as neurodegenerative diseases, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. B vitamins are related to mood regulation. So, when you consume biotin, it can help you to keep up a positive mindset, boost energy and increase concentration.
Maintains healthy hair, skin, and nails:
Biotin is needed to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. When you experience biotin deficiency, then symptoms may manifest in the form of brittle, splitting, and thinning hair or dermatitis which can result in irritated and dry skin. When you take a biotin supplement, it can help you to reverse deficiency in this vitamin and support the production of proteins and enzymes which are needed for hair growth.
It has been shown that biotin can help to decrease alopecia in adults and it can help to improve synthesis and the infrastructure of keratin, which is a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. Also, taking high doses of biotin can help to treat weak hair and brittle nails.
