Biotin: The powerful skin, hair, and nail-care vitamin

What is Biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is one of the B complex vitamins and is a nutrient that converts food to energy. The “H” in Vitamin H stands for “Haut und Haar”, which are German words for skin and hair. Since Biotin is water-soluble, it is not stored in the body. Hence, it needs to be absorbed from food and supplements.

Does Biotin aid healthy hair, skin, and nails?

Biotin is involved in many biological processes happening within the body. This nutrient breaks down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, which are all converted into energy.

Furthermore, Biotin is needed to keep the nails and skin healthy. Inadequate Biotin levels in the body can lead to brittle nails. However, taking IV Therapy containing Biotin can improve nail strength and aid overall skincare.

There is evidence to prove that people with diabetes have lower Biotin levels. Similarly, a study performed on animal specimens shows that Biotin may prevent kidney damage in patients with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes. However, more research needs to be carried out to support this finding.

4 powerful Health Benefits Of Biotin

Promotes Hair Growth

Adding Biotin IV Therapy to your diet helps to stimulate hair growth at the cellular level, increases hair volume, and makes your hair appear smooth and silky.

Healthy Skin

Biotin deficiency is one of the main reasons for annoying skin ailments like dry, itchy skin, acne, and psoriasis. To help aid your skin from the inside out it is critical to add biotin-rich foods which help in enhancing the skin complexion and making your skin look more healthy. Adding Biotin to your IV Therapy ensures 100% bioavailability and can help your body better utilize this powerful vitamin to your advantage.

Strengthens Nails

Biotin helps the production of keratin in your body and is known for its impressive ability to strengthen nails. Several studies have also revealed that people who take biotin had thickened their nails by 25% and also reduces the amount of nail breakage and nail splitting.

Increase Brain Function

Biotin is needed in the normal functioning of the nervous system, neurotransmitter activity, and nerve signal functions. Adding Biotin into your IV therapy and Biotin-rich foods improves brain sharpness, memory and can help prevent the development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

What is the recommended dosage for Biotin?

A severe Biotin deficiency isn’t common. Hence, the U.S Food and Drug Administration has not apportioned values to Biotin’s recommended dietary allowance (RDA). However, the following dosage guideline has been put forward by nutrition experts. The RDAs vary according to sex, age, and the overall wellbeing of the individual.

• Birth to 3 years of age: 10 to 20 micrograms (mcg) daily

• 4 years to 6 years: 25mcg daily

• 7 years to 10 years: 30mcg daily

• 11 years and above: 30mg to 100mcg daily

However, pregnant women and lactating mothers may require a higher dose of Biotin.

Is Biotin needed for fetal development?

Cases of pregnant women with Biotin deficiency are rare. However, pregnant women are often advised to take prenatal vitamin supplements containing folic acid and Biotin to promote infant health. High doses of Biotin are harmful to the baby, and so pregnant women should be dissuaded from taking excess Biotin supplements.

What are the natural sources of Biotin?

The following foods are enriched with Biotin:

1. Egg yolks

2. Nuts and seeds

3. Liver

4. Sweet potatoes

5. Mushrooms

6. Bananas

7. Broccoli

8. Avocadoes

9. Legumes

Who is more likely to have a Biotin deficiency?

Biotin deficiency occurs in people who have taken large amounts of alcohol or ingested many raw white eggs in one sitting. Raw white egg contains the protein avidin, which hinders Biotin absorption. Also, consuming two or more raw white eggs daily for several months can cause Biotin deficiency.

Biotin deficiency can also be genetically related as in cases of Biotinidase deficiency. Persons who have inflammatory bowel disease or conditions that upset the balance of bacteria in the intestines present with the inability to produce a sufficient amount of Biotin in the body. People undergoing renal dialysis and smokers are often advised to take Biotin supplements due to their low capacity to store Biotin.

What symptoms do people with Biotin deficiency display?

People with Biotin deficiency often present with hair loss, red scaly rash, vision problems, and developmental delay in children. Biotin deficiency can also cause depression, muscle pains, hallucinations, numbness, tingling of the arms and legs, and fatigue. Furthermore, people who have hereditary-related Biotin deficiency may present with low immunity, making them more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.

Are there any possible side effects related to Biotin?

Consuming excess Biotin can lead to skin rashes, kidney dysfunctions, gastrointestinal upset, and insulin release issues. However, the safety of taking Biotin in high-dose or long-term is still unknown.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that managing a patient with Biotin deficiency can interfere with lab results and imitate Grave’s disease. This finding is supported by other studies that show that people who ingested high amounts of Biotin had strange results on their thyroid tests. If you have a thyroid condition, consult your doctor before taking Biotin supplements.

Bottom Line

Biotin offers several benefits to your skin, hair and nails. The absence or deficiency of this water-soluble vitamin in your body can spell the beginning of some aesthetic pitfalls for particularly your hair and skin. As highlighted above, Biotin also offers numerous cosmetic and neurological benefits to your body. Including Biotin IV Therapy in your health and wellness routine ensures that you enjoy the incredible benefits of this amazing vitamin that your body cannot make, but depends on from external sources.