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The Health Benefits of Biotin on Skin, Hair, Nails and More

Worldwide, the hair, skin, and nail supplements market is expected to continue growing as consumers become more health-conscious and seek out natural solutions to their beauty needs.

Biotin is a popular choice among those looking to achieve healthier hair, skin, and nails, as well as better overall health. Found in many foods, it is a water-soluble B vitamin that also plays an important role in the body’s functioning.

In this article, we will discuss the many ways that biotin can help improve several aspects of health.

What is Biotin?

Also known as vitamin B7, biotin’s primary role is in the metabolism of macronutrients – fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It helps to break down proteins into energy and assists in forming red blood cells, which help deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues. As well, it helps with the formation of fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Biotin is found naturally in many foods such as eggs, milk, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and is also made by bacteria in the large intestine. It can also be taken as a supplement or applied topically for certain skin conditions.

A deficiency in biotin can result in brittle nails and hair loss – two things people want to avoid. This is just one of the reasons why biotin supplementation has become so popular. Deficiency in this nutrient is rare, however, but research has suggested that taking a biotin supplement regardless may help support overall health.

Benefits of Biotin

Biotin boasts many specific benefits that make it an appealing supplement for clinicians and patients alike. So what is biotin good for?

Skin Health

Biotin is essential for the formation of fatty acids, which keep the skin hydrated and functioning properly. As deficiency can result in scaly red dermatitis, biotin supplementation can reverse the appearance of these issues. One study showed that in those who received chemotherapy known to cause rashes, biotin reduced the rash severity when topical steroid ointments were not effective.

Hair Health

Biotin has been shown to increase hair growth and strengthen existing strands, making it an ideal supplement for those looking to improve their hair health. Women who had self-reported thinning hair saw improvements in volume, scalp coverage, and thickness after 90 days. After 180 days, they saw additional hair shine.

Generally, biotin can also help prevent breakage due to its role in the formation of fatty acids, which are essential for healthy hair.

Nail Health

Those who have brittle nails may find that biotin supplementation can help reduce cracking and splitting. A Swiss study showed that supplementing with biotin can increase nail plate thickness by 25% after six months of daily use. As biotin is constructed of amino acids and protein, it aids in keratin production – what skin, nails, and hair all rely on to stay healthy.

Energy Production

As mentioned earlier, biotin is involved in the metabolism of macronutrients, meaning it helps to break down proteins into energy. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to increase their physical activity or improve overall energy levels.

Since B vitamins play a big part in converting nutrients into fuel, supplementing with biotin can help people get back the energy they might be missing.

Cardiovascular Health

Supplementing with biotin may help reduce cholesterol levels and thus prevent cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart attack. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels in tandem with chromium, which can be beneficial for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Aids Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that can cause nerve damage, pain, and cognitive issues. Biotin is said to help repair the protective covering of nerve fibers, something that is damaged because of MS. High doses of biotin have been proven to help people with progressive MS – one study even showed 90% of participants experienced some degree of clinical improvement.

Conclusion

Biotin is an essential nutrient for overall health and well-being. Its role in the metabolism of macronutrients and the formation of fatty acids makes it a beneficial supplement for those looking to improve their skin, hair, and nails.

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