Biotin Vitamin: What is it Good For and its Side Effects?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know what biotin is. Biotin or B7 is a water-soluble of vitamin B family, which means biotin dissolves in water and is excreted in the urine. Biotin is found in many foods, including eggs, nuts, and certain vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement. So what is biotin good for? And are there any side effects of biotin? Keep reading to find out!

What is Biotin Good For?

Biotin is an important vitamin for the human body. It helps the body to metabolize fats and proteins, and it also plays a role in the production of DNA and RNA.

Biotin is necessary for the health of the hair, skin, and nails. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, skin rash, and brittle nails.

Biotin is also used to treat biotinidase deficiency, a rare genetic condition that can cause neurological problems.

Who Needs Biotin Most?

While biotin is important for everyone, some groups of people are at risk for biotin deficiency. These groups include:

– People with anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders.

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

– People with intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease

– People who take certain medications, such as anticonvulsants or antibacterials

Biotin in Foods

You can get biotin by eating a variety of foods, including:

  • Eggs: One large egg contains about 35 micrograms (mcg) of biotin
  • Nuts: One ounce of peanuts or almonds contains about 2-5 mcg of biotin
  • Legumes: One cup of cooked lentils or black beans contains about 1-2 mcg of biotin
  • Vegetables: One cup of cooked broccoli or sweet potato contains about 0.5-1 mcg of biotin

Biotin is also found in certai supplements, such as multivitamins and supplements.

Biotin and Hair Growth

Biotin is often touted as a miracle cure for hair loss and thinning hair. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

A biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, but biotin supplements are unlikely to prevent or treat hair loss that is not caused by a biotin deficiency.

Biotin Supplements

Biotin supplements are available in pill form. The recommended daily dose of biotin is 30 micrograms (mcg) for adults.

Most multivitamins contain biotin. These supplements usually contain biotin in doses ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg per day.

Biotin Injection

Biotin injections are also available. Biotin injections are used to treat biotinidase deficiency. The recommended dose of biotin for biotinidase deficiency is 5 mg per day.

Who can Administer a Biotin Injection?

Biotin injections can be given by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Biotin Injection vs Biotin Supplement

Biotin injections are more expensive than biotin supplements. Biotin injections are also more likely to cause side effects such as itching, redness, and swelling at the injection site.

Are There Any Side Effects of Biotin?

Biotin is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. However, biotin supplements can interact with certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and antibiotics.

Most people who take biotin supplements don’t experience any side effects. However, some people may develop biotinidase deficiency if they take large doses of biotin (more than 200 mg per day).

If you are considering taking biotin supplements, talk to your healthcare provider first to make sure they are safe for you.

Conclusion

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many foods, including eggs, nuts, and certain vegetables. Biotin is also available as a dietary supplement or as a biotin injection.

Biotin is necessary for the health of the hair, skin, and nails. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, skin rash, and brittle nails.

Biotin is also used to treat biotinidase deficiency, a rare genetic condition that can cause neurological problems.

Most people who take biotin supplements don’t experience any side effects. However, biotin can interact with certain medications. If you are considering taking biotin supplements, talk to your healthcare provider first.

Thanks for reading!

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Sources

M.D Mark D. - Healthline Gate Health and Medical Articles Author

About The Author

M.D Mark D. is a Health and Wellness professional writer. Mark has authored many health articles around the following topics: Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Fitness, Nutrition, Pets Health, Mental Health, Medicine, and Supplements.

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