Biotin and Hair Loss

The Link Between Biotin and Hair Loss

Have you heard about the link between Biotin and hair loss, or should that be hair growth?  Biotin (vitamin H), believe it or not, plays a major role in helping to keep your hair from turning gray, and better yet, from falling out. It also helps keep your fingernails strong, making them less prone to brittleness by encouraging nails to grow thicker. 

Biotin is a more natural solution to hair loss remedies that tend to be more aggressive in nature.  However, Biotin can only provide the proper environment for the retention of hair, but cannot reverse the effects of genetics adn heredity.   A typical multi vitamin supplement will have the necessary quantities of this vitamin to meet the daily recommended allowance. 

Biotin (Vitamin H) Facts

As a member of the B-complex family of vitamins, Vitamin H is probably better known by its other names, Biotin and Vitamin B7. Vitamin H is a water soluble vitamin which means that the body passes what it does not use through the body via the urine. Unlike the other vitamins which the body gets from food, this vitamin is produced inside the body by bacteria that live in the large intestines.

Since daily requirements are low, and since so many foods contain it, and since the body naturally produces it, Vitamin H deficiencies are rare.

A primary function of Biotin is to ensure proper growth. It assists in the production of DNA, RNA and nucleic acids. Cells in particular rely on this vitamin to help them grow and replicate properly. Your body needs Vitamin H to help with the production of fatty acids. The tissues of the nervous system and the muscles benefit from Vitamin H and it is important in the production of bone marrow. Biotin also assists in the process involved with the transfer of carbon dioxide.

As with the other B complex vitamins, Vitamin H also plays an important role in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It also helps process glucose. The end result is that the body is able to efficiently produce energy, eliminating problems associated with fatigue.

Biotin helps blood sugar levels remain steady. People with diabetes may find Biotin beneficial because it has been known to increase the body's reaction to insulin.  This amazing vitamin may also help relieve the symptoms associated with depression. And finally, it may also help reduce pain.

Vitamin H Sources (Biotin)

Vitamin H is found in meat, especially organ meats (liver and kidneys), dairy products (milk, cheese and butter), egg yolks, oysters, lobster, poultry, cauliflower, avocados, bananas, strawberries, watermelon, bananas, grapefruits, raisins, mushrooms, green peas, black currants, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, nuts, beans, lentils, oat bran, whole grain breads, oatmeal, peanut butter, molasses and foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids including salmon, tuna, mackerel and herrings.

Eating raw eggs can lessen the body's ability to absorb this vitamin.

The recommended daily intake of Vitamin H (Biotin) is 300 micrograms for healthy adults and pregnant women. Women who are breastfeeding need a bit more, about 350 micrograms/day. 

Biotin Side Effects

Bioton side effects and deficiencies are very rare. However, on occasion, problems do arise. Several symptoms could indicate a deficiency in Biotin (Vitamin H).  The possible symptoms include:

• a scalp that is dry or scaly,
• a loss of appetite,
• a loss of hair,
• nausea,
• muscle pain,
• fatigue,
• depression,
• dermatitis,
• anorexia and anemia.

The facts for Biotin clearly suggest that there is a strong link between Biotin and hair loss.  Studies indicate that this vitamin is one of the essential elements in hair loss and the graying of the hair.  A proper level of Biotin in your body is your insurance policy for maintaining healthy hair and nails.  It is recommended that a good nutritional multivitamin supplement, or B complex vitamins, be taken daily to ensure that your body is receiving all the Biotin that it needs.