Biotin: A vitamin for your overall health

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble B vitamin, which means the body does not store it. You can find it in various foods such as fish, eggs, meat, dairy products, nuts, and seeds. Your body naturally produces it from intestinal bacteria. Although some people (particularly pregnant women) might be deficient, a true biotin deficiency is rare.

So what role does biotin play in the body, and why is it so important? Biotin helps process glucose (sugars), fats, and proteins and convert them into energy for the body, vital for many different functions. A biotin deficiency can have visible effects, such as thinning hair or brittle nails. Some studies have even shown it to cause skin rashes.

Everything you need to know about Biotin

Biotin is a B complex vitamin that contributes to overall skin health. Your body naturally gets biotin from meat, nuts, and seeds by pancreatic enzyme actions. Once inside the cell, biotin helps processes like gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and catabolism of branched-chain amino acids.

Biotin deficiency can result in alopecia, aciduria, and other neurological conditions. Biotin deficiency is also associated with elevated inflammation.

Anyone deficient in biotin can take a supplement from a prior medical consultation. A supplement should be safe for daily use for most. Still, it's always important to follow the directions on the specific product you purchase.

Biotin doesn’t work well with some antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications can affect the absorption of biotin. So, it is always best to discuss with your doctor before starting a biotin supplement (or any supplement, in general).

Benefits of Biotin for your skin, nails, and hair

Biotin does have a role in healthy skin. Because enzymes rely on biotin to function, it is essential for energy production and helps the formation of fatty acids. 

But if you are not deficient in the vitamin, could taking a biotin supplement positively affect your hair or nails? Despite all the convincing testimonials, it may be too soon to say. According to the National Institutes of Health, there is some evidence to support biotin supplementation for skin health (albeit, a small amount of case reports in infants). Whatsoever, more research is needed to support these claims in healthy individuals.

Research shows biotin may help to improve conditions like brittle nail syndrome or alopecia. The investigation relies on reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes. In all cases, patients receiving biotin showed clinical improvement after receiving this vitamin. But, despite this, there are no randomized, controlled trials to prove the effects of supplementation with biotin in healthy individuals. Biotin's function in protein synthesis and keratin production may explain its contribution to healthy nail and hair growth.

Side-effects of Biotin

Biotin offers several health benefits and is crucial to your body's overall function. In addition, research suggests that consuming biotin supplements carries minimal risk, even in high dosages.

As a B vitamin, biotin is water-soluble (dissolves in water); it is nearly impossible to overdose on it because your body will flush out any excess through urination. However, it is possible to experience some adverse effects from consuming biotin.

Our recommendations

At Craft and Care, we believe in scientific evidence as to the basis of any care. Therefore, before starting a treatment or vitamin supplement, it is crucial to consult a specialist. There is insufficient evidence on the benefits of topical biotin use. Therefore, we do not recommend cosmetic uses of this vitamin.

We believe in care through organic products rich in nutrients for skin, nails, and hair care. For example, our Organic Argan Oil is especially rich in vitamin E, recommended in the care of hair, cuticles, and mature skin. Vitamin E is a gentle antioxidant that protects tissues against free radical damage. In addition, argan oil is rich in phytosterols and fatty acids compatible with the nature of your skin.

Always remember to guide you in reliable sources for your health care. We wish you well-being, comfort, and good results!