Biotin, also known as Vitamin H or B7, is a popular supplement to attain healthy hair and nails. In fact, it is the primary ingredient in most Hair Skin and Nail formulas. Vitamin H functions as a water-soluble vitamin, which means it can be broken down in water.
Excess B7 is eliminated through urine.
Vitamin H is an essential compound for enzymes in the body to help metabolize food and create protein. Human bodies do not create Biotin.
It is attained through food consumption or created by certain bacteria in the gut. Pseudomonas denitrificans , Bacillus megaterium, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii are gut bacteria that are able to synthesize Biotin within our body.
What Biotin Is Good For?
Vitamin H is often prescribed to patients with Uncombable Hair Syndrome, increasing hair growth and making the hair easier to comb after months of taking the supplement.
Some medications, like valproic acid, affect the absorption of B7, leading to hair loss.
Taking B7 while on Valproic acid can improve alopecia along with other symptoms caused by a Biotin deficiency.
Vitamin H lowers blood glucose and helps with diabetic nerve pain.
It is involved in converting Folic acid into its active form 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate. This is necessary to create new red blood cells and prevent anemia.
A 1989 study of a 2.5 mg dosage of Biotin taken for 5 months improved the nails of 45 patients, making them less frail and thickened.
In 2015, a marine supplement containing Biotin taken for 3 months reduced hair shedding in patients.
What Causes A Biotin Deficiency?
Biotin deficiency is uncommon, although can be caused by several factors. Lacking proper nutrition and necessary gut bacteria are the starters to developing a B7 deficiency.
In some cases, there are not enough Biotinidase enzymes to reprocess B7 in the body.
Pregnant women, smokers, sufferers of liver disease, and people with intestinal damage caused by maladies such as irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease are at risk.
Another concern is that Vitamin H may not be absorbed properly when taken with other substances, such as raw eggs, and antibiotics. Raw eggs contain a glycoprotein called avidin, which binds to Biotin, preventing absorption.
Antibiotics can destroy the microflora necessary to produce Vitamin H.
Symptoms of a B7 Deficiency
- Alopecia
- Nerve Damage
- Impaired immune System
- Reccurent Bacteria & Fungal Infections
Foods That Contain Vitamin B7
- Avacados
- Walnuts
- Liver
- Cooked Eggs
- Cauliflower
Are B7 Supplements Safe?
Biotin is low risk because of the water-soluble ability.The FDA has not set a recommended dosage for daily use, however, the Institute of Medicine recommends 30mcg a day for adults older than 18.
The FDA has warned that taking Biotin supplements can interfere with the results of certain medical tests, leading to inaccurate diagnoses. Tests for thyroid function, heart attack, and congestive heart failure are medical exams that can present false negatives from taking Biotin.
Biotin pills have been reported by some users to cause a flare in acne while persistently taking the supplement. However, a change in dosage or daily intake may prevent acne flares.
Hair, Skin, & Nails Supplements
Hair, Skin & Nail formulas contain Biotin as the primary ingredient. However, most are comprised of multiple supplements that work together to deliver desired results.
Vitamins B1-B12 taken together helps prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) increases the flow of oxygen-enriched blood to the scalp and hair follicles. Further, increasing production of melanin that gives hair its natural color.
Zinc stiffens the 5-alpha-reductase functions and blocks DHT from entering hair follicles. This boosts hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Silica decreases hair breakage and sustain the skin’s elasticity.
Sources:
Biotin, published February 18 2009 by Janos Zempleni, Subhashinee S.K. Wijeratne, Accessed April 2021
Top 7 Vitamins & Nutrients for Hair Growth | Dr.Berg published April 11, 2017 , Accessed April 21,2021
Vitamin H (Biotin) by Mount Sinai, Accesed April 2021
Foods High in Vitamins By WebMd Accesed April 2021
Medical News Today, Why do we need Biotin (vitamin b7) by Megan Ware published Oct 18, 2017 Accessed April 2021
The FDA has not set a recommended dosage for daily use. However, the Institute of Medicine recommends 30mcg a day for adults older than 18.
Some users report a flare in acne with constant use of Biotin supplements. A change in dosage or daily intake may prevent acne flares.
Biotin supplements are considered low risk because of the water-soluble ability. However, it can interfere with the results of medical tests, such as thyroid function and congestive heart failure. This in turn can lead to a misdiagnosis that could be detrimental.
