Biotin is otherwise known as vitamin H or vitamin B7. Like other B vitamins, biotin plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. Find out which products you can find this compound in and how to recognise the first signs of biotin deficiency.
What is biotin?
Biotin is an organic compound that occurs in both animal and plant tissues. It belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. It is a coenzyme of many complex processes. This means that specific enzymes cannot catalyse reactions properly if biotin is not present in their environment. Therefore, its deficiency can have serious consequences for the body.
You can get biotin into your body through proper supplementation.
For those looking to maintain the health and strength of their hair, skin, and nails, Kindly Vitamins’ 10000 mcg Biotin supplement is a great option. This high-potency formula provides a powerful dose of biotin to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Not only does this supplement help to strengthen and nourish your hair, skin, and nails, but it also supports your metabolism and energy levels. Biotin plays a key role in converting food into energy, making it an important nutrient for overall health and wellbeing. Kindly Vitamins is committed to using high-quality, natural ingredients in all of their supplements, and their 10000 mcg Biotin supplement is no exception. It’s free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and is gluten-free and non-GMO.
Properties of biotin
Biotin is one of the vitamins, meaning that it is essential for the body to function properly. Like many B vitamins, it is closely linked to the structure and function of the skin and hair and nails. Studies confirm that in people who take biotin in supplement form, nails are harder and less brittle.
Biotin does not only affect the appearance of our skin. This compound is also involved in the formation of prothrombin, which in turn plays a very important role in blood clotting.
In addition, vitamin B7 is involved in such important processes as the formation of fatty acids and gluconeogenesis, i.e. the production of glucose.
Biotin also acts on the thyroid gland to support the function of this organ.
Symptoms of biotin deficiency
The symptoms of biotin deficiency are mainly related to our skin and can be seen with the naked eye. Various types of irritation, dryness and inflammation appear on the skin. The skin can also turn greyish in colour, and sometimes there are symptoms somewhat reminiscent of psoriasis. The nail plate becomes thin and the nail itself becomes very brittle. There may also be increased hair loss.
A symptom that is not obvious and may seem initially unrelated to biotin deficiency is an increase in blood cholesterol levels. With biotin deficiency, general symptoms such as lack of concentration and lethargy, as well as dullness, also occur. On the other hand, the opposite condition, i.e. irritability, may occur.
Lack of adequate amounts of biotin in the body also adversely affects the muscles, which manifests itself as muscle pain and sometimes tingling.
Sources of biotin
Biotin is found in both animal and plant products. From the first group, liver and egg yolks are recommended. Flour products, such as soy flour, rice flour and wholemeal flour, also have significant amounts of vitamin B7. Of vegetables, tomatoes, carrots and spinach are particularly recommended. Peanuts, walnuts and almonds are also worth including in the diet. An appropriate diet should be supported by supplementation.
The ability to synthesise biotin is provided by the bacterial flora found in our intestines. However, this process may be impaired if strong antibiotic therapy is required. He then recommends taking probiotics in the first instance to rebuild the natural flora.