BIOTIN
Biotin
is one of eight ‘B’ vitamins. It is
also known as vitamin B-7 or vitamin H, in which case the H stands for “Haar
und Haut,” the German words for “hair and skin.”
Biotin
plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbs, fats, and proteins. It helps
the body convert food into energy and plays many other important roles in
health. Biotin boosts the health of the hair and nails, supports a healthy
pregnancy, and helps manage blood sugar levels, among other benefits.
Biotin
is necessary for the function of several enzymes known as carboxylases. These
are part of important metabolic processes, such as the production of glucose
and fatty acids. Biotin is water-soluble. The body does not store water-soluble
vitamins, so people need to absorb them from their diets.
Benefits and Function
Biotin plays a number of important roles in the body, including:
Breaking Down Macronutrients
Biotin helps the body convert food into energy - it supports a number of
enzymes involved in the breakdown of carbs, fats, and proteins.
Supporting Nail Health
Brittle nails are fragile and easily become split or cracked. A biotin
deficiency can lead to brittle nails. For people with this deficiency, taking
supplements that contain biotin could improve the strength of their nails.
Boosting hair health
Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss,
which indicates that the vitamin is involved in keeping the hair healthy.
Supporting pregnancy and breastfeeding
Biotin is very important for women who are pregnant or lactating as low
biotin levels are common during pregnancy because the body breaks down the
vitamin faster during pregnancy.
Reducing blood sugar in people with diabetes
Type 2
diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels
and impaired insulin function. A biotin
deficiency may disrupt blood sugar, or glucose regulation.
Boosting skin health
People with biotin deficiencies experience skin problems, including red,
scaly rashes and its also believed that biotin may help improve skin
conditions like psoriasis.
Supporting MS treatment
Multiple
sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease. It
damages the protective covering of nerve fibres in the brain, spinal cord, and
eyes. This protective covering is called myelin, and Biotin may
play an important role in producing it.
Biotin plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbs, fats, and proteins.