Are you looking for ways to strengthen your hair and skin? If so, biotin is a vitamin that may be able to help. Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is essential in maintaining healthy nails, skin, and hair when included in one’s diet. This powerful vitamin not only helps keep these components of our body in good condition but also has numerous other benefits — which we will explore further in this blog post.
Overview of biotin and its benefits
Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that helps our body produce energy from food and assists in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Additionally, it helps create fatty acids — essential cell membrane components. This nutrient also plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails by promoting cell growth.
Biotin is important for the health and appearance of our hair, skin, and nails. It helps strengthen brittle nails, reduce nail splitting, and promote hair growth and shine. Additionally, biotin has been shown to reduce inflammation that can cause dryness and irritation on the scalp — leading to healthier-looking locks. Furthermore, many studies have shown that this vitamin may help improve skin elasticity and reduce blemishes.
Sources of biotin
The best sources of biotin include organ meats, dairy products, egg yolks, legumes, nuts and seeds, fish, mushrooms, and some fruits and vegetables. Additionally, biotin can be taken in supplement form as well. However, it is recommended to get your daily dose of this vitamin from natural, whole-food sources if possible.
Does biotin help hair growth?
The phase of active hair growth is genetically determined. It means that if you have always had shoulder-length hair, it will most likely not work to grow it to the waist. Women’s average hair growth rate is 1-1.2 cm per month, and the anagen phase is 4-6 years. Various factors, including the balance of elements, influence hair growth. If we are talking about stimulating growth during active hair loss, the main goal is to lengthen the anagen phase and improve microcirculation and nutrition of the hair follicle. Biotin helps with hair loss only for those deficient in this vitamin, but such cases are very rare because the required daily dose of biotin is achieved through food from the diet of the majority.
How to understand that biotin is not enough?
Some symptoms of not having enough biotin are feeling sad, tired, low blood pressure, and seizures. Your skin might become dry and have cracks or feel irritated. You might also get dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, your hair may start to thin or grow more slowly, and your nails can become brittle. You must visit your doctor for further evaluation if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
In conclusion, biotin is an essential vitamin that plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. While it can help with these issues, dietary sources are always recommended first. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, please consult your doctor for further evaluation.
