Biotin is a water-soluble member of the B complex vitamins. It is also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H. Before, scientists were unsure if biotin is either a vitamin or an enzyme. But due to its similarities with the activities of the B vitamins, they were convinced that it should belong to the B complex group. All organisms on earth need biotin, but not all of them can produce it for themselves. Among all these organisms, Vitamin B7 is critically needed to maintain human health. Biotin is involved in numerous metabolic functions that include cell growth, fatty acid synthesis, conversion of food into energy, and metabolism of leucine (an amino acid).

Bacteria, yeasts, and certain plants can manufacture biotin. The human body relies from bacteria normally residing in the intestines as its main biotin source. Humans can also get additional biotin from the diet and biotin supplements. Dietary biotin sources include brewer’s yeast, fish, cheese, milk, butter, cooked egg yolk, shellfish, cauliflower, lentils, green peas, chicken breasts, and organ meats. These biotin rich foods are best eaten when they are fresh since biotin content of these foods decreases when they are cooked or frozen. Meanwhile, biotin supplements are manufactured by leading manufacturers in capsule and pill forms.

Biotin Benefits

• Biotin and hair loss have been directly linked because of biotin’s positive effects to normal hair growth. Many health and beauty products that contain biotin are advertised to solve hair loss problems by promoting healthy hair growth.  People with alopecia, falling hair, brittle hair, and other hair problems use biotin shampoo. Hair loss is one of the effects of biotin deficiency.
• Biotin promotes healthy skin. Biotin Vitamin helps stimulate the production of new skin cells, making them healthy and plentiful. These new skin cells replace dead skin cells which cause skin dullness and dryness.
• Biotin is an essential nutrient for healthy pinkish nails. Using biotin supplements can prevent and treat brittle nail syndrome.
• A daily supply of biotin helps increase energy production. Vitamin Biotin participates in converting carbohydrates and fats into fuel for energy the body needs to go about each day. Low energy levels are often a result of low Biotin levels in the body.
• Vitamin H metabolizes the amino acid leucine and carbohydrates needed in enzyme production. Enzymes are substances needed by the body to maintain normal functioning.
• Biotin is involved in supporting healthy functions of bone marrow, sweat glands, and nerve tissues.

Biotin Deficiency

Biotin deficiency is rare. In normal conditions, the bacteria residing in the intestine can produce all the biotin the body needs. There is an increased risk for biotin deficiency for those on long term antibiotics use, with eating disorders, and people who consume mega doses of saccharin because these substances interfere with normal biotin production. Patients with Type II diabetes must also consider taking biotin supplements. Symptoms of biotin deficiency are similar to Vitamin B deficiencies like anemia, hyperglycemia, muscle pain, pallor, nausea, hair loss, brittle nails, insomnia, soreness of the tongue, and loss of appetite.