Biotin in cosmetology – for skin, hair, nails
In the cosmetics industry, biotin is valued mainly for its effects on hair and nail health.
It has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, preventing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.
It also has a strengthening effect on nails, preventing their brittleness and splitting.
Thanks to these properties, biotin is a common ingredient in shampoos, hair conditioners, as well as dietary supplements dedicated to improving the condition of skin, hair and nails.
Biotin in medicine
Although biotin is commonly associated as a supplement for hair and nails, the vitamin also plays an important role in numerous metabolic processes.
As a coenzyme of carboxylases, it participates in cell signal transduction and gene expression. Beneficial effects of biotin on the nervous system, it is recommended for those struggling with excessive stress and nervousness. Another valuable property of biotin is its role in glucose metabolism.
It regulates the conversion of glucose into glycogen stored in the liver.
Biotin supplemented by people with diabetes can help maintain normal blood sugar levels.
It is also crucial for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and has a role in the blood clotting process, through the co-formation of prothrombin.
How much biotin per day?
As with other vitamins, biotin is supplied to the body primarily through food.
The daily requirement for vitamin B7 in adults is about 30 μg and can usually be met with a healthy and balanced diet.
In contrast to vitamin B12, biotin also does not require supplementation in vegan and vegetarian diets.
What is biotin in?
Biotin is found not only
in zoonotic foods (including egg yolks, offal, fish, milk and skim cheese), but also
in plant products: fruits (including bananas, watermelon, grapes, peaches), vegetables (including tomatoes, carrots), as well as legumes, mushrooms and nuts.
Biotin deficiency – symptoms
While vitamin B7 is very easy to get into the body, some people may have problems absorbing the ingredient.
Biotin deficiencies can occur in pregnant women, those addicted to nicotine or alcohol, those taking certain medications or those consuming raw egg yolks.
The latter, unlike heat-treated yolks, contain avidin, which binds biotin and inhibits its absorption by the body.
The most characteristic side effects of biotin deficiency include graying of the skin, peeling of the epidermis and hair loss. Biotin deficiency not only affects our appearance, but can also cause side effects from the nervous system.
These include lethargy, apathy, seizures, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, among others.
If a possible deficiency is suspected of vitamin B7, albeit in nervous tension conditions in pregnant women, its supplementation will also prove useful in combating these symptoms.
Biotin – side effects
Biotin rarely causes side effects.
It is a water-soluble vitamin and therefore excess is easily removed in the urine.
However, with prolonged use of high doses, mild gastrointestinal complaints – stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea or mood swings – may occur.
Of importance, however, is the fact that biotin can interfere with the results of some laboratory tests.
Those taking vitamin B7 should discontinue the supplement before thyroid, gonadotropin and vitamin D tests – otherwise the results obtained may be inflated or underestimated relative to the actual values.
Numerous preparations containing biotin are available on the market, both in the form of supplements and cosmetics.
However, before starting biotin supplementation, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Such a consultation will help ensure that supplementation will be safe and effective, as well as help adjust the appropriate dosage to meet your individual needs.
Bibliography: Bistas KG, Tadi P. (2020) Biotin.
StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL) https://europepmc.org/article/nbk/nbk554493 Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. (2017) A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss.
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https://zywienie.medonet.pl/skladniki-odzywcze/witaminy-i-mineraly/biotyna-wlasciwosci-objawy-niedoboru-zrodla-witaminy-b7/
