|
Biotin is one of eight
essential vitamins that comprise the B-complex. Like all of the members of the
B-complex, biotin plays significant role in energy metabolism, acting as a
coenzyme in chemical reactions that produce energy. Biotin works with other B
vitamins to make healthy cells and convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
into energy. Biotin is also known as the vitamin that produces healthy hair and
helps prevent graying. Since 1942, it has been studied for its role in the
production of many enzymes. Biotin has had a number of different names since it
was first discovered. Biotin is still sometimes referred to as vitamin H,
although it is now known that biotin is a B-complex vitamin.
Biotin is required by the body for the proper function of insulin and the
synthesis of amino and fatty acids which are the building blocks of proteins and
fats respectively. Biotin is found abundantly in many plant and animal foods.
Bacteria in the intestines also produce a considerable amount of biotin. The
best food sources of biotin includes liver, milk, brewer’s yeast, bananas,
grapefruit, watermelon, strawberries, nuts, green peas, lentils, soybeans,
sunflower seeds, corn, fortified cereals, cauliflower, meat, milk, poultry,
saltwater fish, soybeans, and whole grains. Biotin is destroyed by certain
food-processing techniques such as canning and heat curing, and raw egg whites
contain a protein called avid in, which combines with biotin in the intestinal
tract to reduce the body of this needed nutrient.
|
Benefits & Uses Of Biotin |
Biotin plays a vital role in
the production of energy from the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It
provides a number of benefits when used clinically. It may support the health of
nails and offer treatment for brittle nails. Meanwhile, it may help lower blood
sugar levels in diabetics while possibly improving nervous disorders related
with diabetes. Biotin also promotes healthy hair, skin, sweat glands, nerve
tissue, bone marrow, and male sex glands. Biotin is a widely used ingredient in
hair products due to its hair promoting properties. Biotin increases hair cortex
elasticity , prevents breakage, and thickens hair cuticle. A condition called
seborrhea dermatitis, or cradle cap, which is characterized by a dry, scaly
scalp, may occur as a result of biotin deficiency.
Vitamin B8 or biotin is vital for a healthy immune system. This vitamin helps to
maintain the skin and the nervous system in a sound condition. It controls
proper distribution of color pigment. An extremely small amount of this vitamin
has a marked effect on the growth of yeast and certain bacteria. It forms part
of several enzyme systems.
Biotin is very beneficial for treating a number of skin disorders as well as
thinning and balding hair. Biotin supplements are frequently used in the diets
of individuals that may be less than nutritionally sound such as those on an
intravenous feeding tubs, persons suffering from anorexia, and persons missing a
portion of the small intestine. Some common uses of biotin are as follows:
-
Biotin may be a useful aid to
weight loss.
-
Biotin is essential in
converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins to energy.
-
Biotin is recommended by
experts during pregnancy to avoid possible birth defects.
-
Biotin may also be of benefit
to diabetics because it is able to lower blood sugar levels and metabolize
carbohydrates.
-
People on anti-seizure
medications and those who consume a great deal of alcohol may also need extra
biotin in their diets.
-
Biotin has a key role in fat
synthesis, amino acid metabolism and the creation of glycogen, the body’s
short-term energy supply that is stored in muscle.
Biotin supplements are safe
even large doses have no known toxic effects. Side effects from biotin
supplements should not occur if the vitamin is taken within recommended amounts.
If side effects do occur, lowering the dosage of biotin is usually sufficient to
eliminate these effects.
These statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended
to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
|
