You all have heard of biotin, or vitamin B7. As you’ve heard, it’s “good for hair and nails.” Biotin does other things too, such as helping catalyze critical steps in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. Vitamin B7 is also part of gene regulation and cell signaling.
The science behind supplementation is not conclusive. There is a thought that it may help manage the symptoms of diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels, total cholesterol, and fats in diabetic patients. Some think it may also help with diabetic neuropathy. As for its effect on hair and nails — the published studies are not conclusive. There was an interesting study published in Gut in 2022 called, “Impairment of gut microbial biotin metabolism and host biotin status in severe obesity: effect of biotin and prebiotic supplementation on improved metabolism,” which indicated that the gut microflora in severe obesity shows a lack of biotin producers and transporters. When supplemented with biotin, there was improvement in microbiome diversity and help with limiting weight gain as well as glycemic deterioration (diabetes).
1/3 of pregnant women have a mild biotin deficiency.
How Do You Get Biotin?
It is found in eggs, milk, and bananas.
Who is At Risk of a Biotin Deficiency?
Deficiency is rare. If you were low in biotin, you would see this in thin hair, brittle fingernails, and possibly, a skin rash or scaling on the scalp and skin. You may want to test your levels if you’re:
- Affected by chronic alcohol use
- Affected by a gastrectomy
- Elderly
- An athlete
- On dialysis
- A smoker
- Pregnant, which increases the need for biotin
How Can Biohackr Health Help?
TESTING. Know if you are deficient.
SUPPLEMENT. IV treatments including Vitamin B.
