Biotin, also known as vitamin K, is part of the b vitamin family. Your body needs biotin to convert food into energy, through the formation of fatty acids and glucose. Biotin is good for maintaining healthy hair, skin and liver, and plays an important role in the nervous system and embryonic growth. It is also believed biotin can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
It is recommended that adults need between 30 and 100 micrograms of biotin per day. Some people may be deficient in this important nutrient and benefit from taking supplements, whilst others may take it to improve overall health.
Find out about the health benefits of biotin below.
Hair, skin and nail health
Research suggests that biotin helps improve keratin infrastructure, which is an essential protein in hair, nails and skin.
Biotin is well known for its role in maintaining healthy hair including shine, volume and scalp coverage in people who experience hair thinning. People with biotin deficiencies may experience hair loss and display a red scaly rash.
It can also help improve skin hydration, smoothness and appearance and has been known to improve nail strength and promote growth.
Diabetes
Research suggests biotin supplements may help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. By working alongside insulin, it can help increase the activity of an enzyme called glucokinase, which is often found in low concentrations in diabetes. Glucokinase is an essential component in the regulation of blood glucose levels.
Pregnancy
As biotin helps convert food into energy, it plays a vital role in cellular function and growth, and is therefore essential for fetal development. Pregnant women can occasionally become deficient in biotin, as the body breaks it down more rapidly during pregnancy. This may have harmful effects on the developing baby. Biotin supplements may help ensure women are receiving the required quantities of biotin for healthy fetal development.
Nervous system
Biotin can help boost nerve function and according to one study, high doses may improve clinical condition in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a life-long disease that affects the brain and nervous system. Mitochondria become damaged in MS, which are needed for producing energy for nerve cell function. Biotin can help increase energy available to improve function of the nervous system, and shows promise as a possible form of treatment for MS.
If you think you aren’t getting enough biotin through your diet, or would like to up your dosage to help with pregnancy, and health conditions, you may need to consider supplementation. Our high quality, high strength, biotin supplement can ensure you are reaching your daily recommended intake, and are vegan and gluten-free.