What is Biotin and what is it used for?
What is Biotin?
Although biotin may seem like a much more complex ingredient, it is actually vitamin H, or in other words, vitamin B7. Biotin, one of the B complex vitamins, helps convert nutrients taken into the body into energy. It is a word of Greek origin; It comes from the word biotos, which means life and sustenance. Most of us get the biotin our body needs from the foods we eat daily. However, biotin is a type of water-soluble vitamin. So biotin cannot be stored in the body. So should biotin be taken through food supplements? Biotin is important for the body's normal functions. In addition to skin, hair and nail health, it also supports many body functions such as the digestive system and nervous system. Therefore, when your biotin level drops, it may be necessary to use biotin as a supplement, especially if you do not follow a healthy diet program. Now that we have answered the question of what biotin is, we can now comprehensively answer the question of what biotin does.
What Does Biotin Do?
vitamin H, vitamin B7 or biotin; It plays a role in many different metabolic processes in the human body. It is effective in processing amino acids, fatty acids and glucose. It also contributes to converting carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy. It supports heart health by increasing good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol. It plays a role in tissue formation and renewal. It takes part in the production of keratin for the formation of structures such as skin, nails and hair. Therefore, biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. In addition to all these, it plays a role in DNA and protein synthesis.
What are the benefits of biotin?
Biotin, one of the B complex vitamins, is basically one of the dozens of factors that enable the body to convert food into energy. It plays a role in protecting many major systems of the body and performing their normal functions. However, today biotin has become a concept integrated with hair and nail health. Because biotin deficiency can cause thinning of hair strands. However, when the right amount of biotin is taken, thickening of hair strands and hair growth are encouraged. Although biotin reviews show that users are mostly happy, is there any scientific basis for this? So, how true is it that biotin grows hair? As Evla, we researched the subject of biotin in depth.
Does Biotin Grow Hair?
In limited studies, it has been shown that taking biotin through food or biotin supplements helps stimulate new hair growth in people with alopecia areata, that is, ringworm, and those with clinical biotin deficiency. However, let's keep in mind that more than one factor plays a role in hair growth. In a different limited study, biotin improved hair health; It is said to be good for hair thinning and especially effective on volume and shine. Additionally, it is a known fact that biotin supports keratin formation. So, is biotin only effective in hair health? Of course no.
Does Biotin Grow Nails?
Biotin also seems to be assertive in nail care. Some researchers say biotin strengthens nails. If you have weak and constantly brittle nails, you may want to consider starting to use biotin. Another limited study concluded that biotin strengthens brittle nails. The same study showed that biotin supplements used regularly in the right dose reduced the likelihood of nail breakage. Therefore, people who break not only their fingernails but also their toenails frequently may consider using biotin.
Does Biotin Beautify the Skin?
Let's come to another question about beauty. Is biotin really effective on the skin? A study says that biotin helps the skin maintain moisture balance. To confirm this, we, as Evla, rolled up our sleeves and took a look at what other studies say. Another study reached a similar conclusion. In addition, biotin not only helps maintain the moisture balance of the skin; It is also stated that it helps to achieve a smooth appearance. In a different study, it was stated that biotin helps protect the skin from acne formation. It seems that biotin is a candidate to become a part of one's beauty routine. So what other benefits does biotin have?
Pregnancy and Biotin
It is a matter that everyone knows that during pregnancy, a person should pay special attention to their nutrition and eat as healthy and balanced as possible. So, are pregnancy and biotin just two separate words that can come together? Studies show that it is not so. Experts agree that biotin is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Biotin deficiency, which is common among pregnant women, may also be risky for the baby as it continues to develop in the womb. Some studies show that biotin deficiency can cause health problems in the unborn baby. For this reason, expectant mothers may consider consuming foods rich in biotin and using biotin supplements with the advice of a doctor when necessary. As Evla, we do not recommend that pregnant women use any medication, food supplements or herbal products without medical supervision.
Diabetes and Biotin
There are some studies showing that adequate amounts of biotin intake can improve glucose levels and reduce pain caused by diabetic nerve damage. Essentially, biotin is a vitamin necessary for the processing of glucose. In a pilot study, people with type 1 diabetes who took 16 mg of biotin daily experienced a 50% decrease in their fasting glucose levels. In another study involving 43 people, people with type 2 diabetes were supplemented with 3 mg biotin along with a probiotic three times a day for two months, and as a result, it was observed that the glucose level in these individuals normalized. As Evla, our recommendation is that you do not use biotin for treatment purposes without consulting your physician. Although there is not enough research on biotin, it can be said that biotin has different benefits in studies conducted with small groups. Although these studies are included in the literature, it should be noted that the FDA is not aware of these studies. Therefore, it can be said that a comprehensive study on biotin is needed.
Is Biotin Harmful?
After reviewing the research showing that biotin may be beneficial, the Evla team also researched the possible health risks of biotin for you. Of course, there are risks of consuming high doses of biotin supplements, even if not through food. Reaching this state of low risk; It seems impossible with daily use. Since biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, excess biotin in the body is excreted from the body through urine. However, there is no research on the safety of using any amount of biotin as a supplement. There is also a need to study the dose at which it poses health risks. So what should be the correct amount and dosage of biotin?
How Should Biotin Be Used?
To prevent biotin deficiency, it is recommended that adults take 30 mcg (micrograms) of biotin daily. This amount can be taken into the body with a balanced diet. The amount of biotin that should be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding is approximately 35 micrograms. Those who support the use of biotin recommend taking 2 to 5 mg (milligrams) of biotin per day to strengthen hair. However, your doctor may recommend a higher dose for you. In this case, listening to your doctor's recommendations would be the best choice. Biotin can be taken through foods and is also available in pill and tablet forms. Additionally, some products are marketed enriched with biotin. After reminding that there are not enough scientific studies on the use of biotin as a food supplement, let us also underline that biotin should not be used instead of the medications prescribed by your doctor. We recommend you to take a look at the Evla Biotin Collection, where you can find biotin-containing products that you can use safely.
With goodness, health and beauty...
