BENEFITS OF BIOTIN, SIDE EFFECTS &
BIOTIN DEFICIENCY
The benefits of biotin extend to improving the health
of hair, skin and nails, and nerve tissue. Vitamin B7 biotin,
also known as vitamin H, is water-soluble vitamin, not able to
be stored by the body, needing to be regularly replenished
through the diet to avoid deficiency symptoms.
Effects of Biotin
Biotin is a coenzyme in the metabolism of proteins and fats,
the formation of fatty acids and glycogen, and the process of
releasing energy from food.
It also helps maintain even blood sugar levels and assists
the transfer of carbon dioxide. Biotin is vital for the
formation of the nucleic acids, RNA and DNA, and hence is
essential for cell growth and replication.
Benefits of Biotin
The benefits of biotin are especially important for
healthy hair, skin, and nails. It is also needed for healthy
nerve tissue, bone marrow, and sweat glands, and can help
reduce muscle pains.
Biotin benefits glucose processing enzymes to manage blood
sugar levels, and has been used in large doses to treat the
degenerative nerve disease, diabetic neuropathy caused by high
blood sugar.
It improves the body's utilization of fatty acids, making
the scalp less greasy and improving hair health. Biotin is
often included in shampoos and hair conditioners because it
helps to keep hair healthy and repairs damaged hair.
Benefits of biotin in the diet is sometimes suggested for
severe hair loss (alopecia). Biotin benefits may also help
return hair to its original color. There are no known dangerous
biotin side effects.
Biotin Deficiency
Factors that may increase vitamin B7 biotin
deficiency include alcohol consumption, and regular
consumption raw eggs because the avidin in raw eggs binds to
biotin, preventing it being absorbed.
Biotin deficiency is rare but can lead to hair loss
(alopecia), loss of appetite, poor fat metabolism, anorexia,
nausea, dry scaly skin, high cholesterol, swollen tongue,
fatigue, and depression.
Biotin Side Effects and Dosage
Recommended dietary allowance of biotin dosage is 300 mcg
(minimum daily dose to ward off serious deficiency of biotin),
although up to 5000 mcg biotin dosage is sometimes used in
vitamin supplements .
Because any excesses are readily excreted, there are no
known toxic biotin side effects.
Biotin Foods with Biotin
Here are examples of where to find biotin foods and
good foods with biotin:
Animal biotin foods : Brewer's yeast, liver, lean
meats, cheese, milk, egg yolk, poultry, fish.
Plant foods with biotin : Spinach, cauliflower,
broccoli, sweet potatoes, brown rice, mushrooms, nuts,
soybeans, sunflower seeds.
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