Biotin is a part of B complex vitamins. It is popularly known as vitamin H. This water-soluble vitamin has a lot of health benefits.
It is vital and beneficial for humans to consume adequate biotin. It is also a beauty vitamin broadly popular in the skincare industry.
You might see a lot of cosmetic products using biotin. The massive hype about biotin is that it promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Moreover, it regulates blood sugar levels without many side effects. Even pregnant ladies require biotin for healthy embryonic growth.
You might want to learn more about this crucial vitamin since you landed here to know its benefits.
This article will end your quest to find all the positive effects of biotin on your body. Follow up to find out.
Benefits Of Biotin
Biotin is used as a vital source of producing energy in the body. This simple vitamin property helps sustain the proper functioning and maintenance of our body parts.
Not to miss, overdoing anything could be disastrous; the same is valid with biotin. Hence, if someone consumes biotin in access, they may also go through biotin side effects.
The human body needs this vitamin to stay healthy and fit. The reason is that biotin helps[1] in the functionality of the liver, nervous system, eyes, and more organs.
On the other hand, biotin also helps improve the treatment of certain medical conditions. Given below are a few benefits of biotin –
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Might Treat Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is the condition[2] of low blood sugar in the body. This problem comes when glucose in our body drops below a healthy range.
Hypoglycemia is quite commonly observed in people with diabetes. It is a cause of excessive medicinal intake for diabetes.
Biotin might help improve[3] hypoglycemia by boosting blood sugar levels.
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Might Help Prevent Or Cure Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia is another condition[4] of blood when it has too many lipids. The lipids that the blood may contain in this condition include cholesterol and triglycerides.
This condition increases the risk of blockages due to the heavy concentration of fatty deposits in your arteries.
Biotin might lower the risk[5] by eliminating unwanted fatty deposits and lipids which may also lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Glucose Control
Biotin helps a lot in the control of glucose in obese patients. This impact[6] is witnessed when biotin is combined with chromium histidine.
It might lower blood sugar levels in cases of diabetes or obesity.
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Role In Pregnancy
There also have been few proofs of biotin becoming successful in prenatal care. Pregnant women usually have a deficiency of biotin in their bodies that can be fatal.
Both baby and mother need adequate biotin. The deficiency of the vitamin may affect the fetus’s development.
Hence, it is recommended[7] for pregnant women to keep regulating their biotin-rich food intake.
That is why they generally consider consuming biotin supplements. On a safe note, avoid these supplements. The main focus should be biotin-rich food during pregnancy.
Even breastfeeding mothers need higher[8] biotin than usual because the body readily breaks down available biotin.
Foods like eggs, avocados, and sweet potatoes might serve the purpose.
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Skin Health
Biotin has also been seen as a good source for the maintenance of your skin health and boosting it. It is because people with biotin deficiency tend to have skin problems.
These skin problems include[9] red or scaly rashes. Since this vitamin has a good hand in fat metabolism.
Therefore, it could be witnessed to have effects on the skin too. Although, people without dieting deficiency do not seem to improve their skin health with access to consumption of it.
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Treating MS
Biotin has also been connected with the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
It is an autoimmune disease that damages the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and eyes.
This covering is called myelin. Biotin plays a major role[10] in the production of myelin.
People with MS are recommended to consume doses of up to 300 milligrams of biotin regularly. This will help in the reduction of chronic disability.
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Good For Diabetes
Diabetes is a common yet alarming concern. Luckily some studies have found that biotin has some benefits for people suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Biotin might improve[11] insulin resistance by increasing insulin secretion. It helps control glucose by bringing down blood sugar levels.
Hence type 2 diabetes patients might experience better blood sugar regulation.
A study[12] suggested that biotin helps prevent kidney problems and damage in people with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes.
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Boosting Hair Health
A large proportion of people believe that biotin supplements can help improve hair health. It is used in hair care products for the same reason.
It gives shine, volume, and strength to your hair. Biotin may also regulate blood flow which is a bonus for a healthy scalp.
It may also promote[13] fast hair growth and reduce breakage. Normally, dietary biotin is enough to maintain healthy skin and hair, some people suggest supplementation.
Still, there isn’t much medical evidence to prove it right. Supplementation may or may not help to reap these benefits.
However, if you have bad hair health due to biotin deficiency, you are likely to see good results.
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Keep Nail Health Intact
Nails are prone to damage. They might crack or get rough over time. To avoid brittle nails, keep your diet rich[14] in biotin.
It might additionally give a glossy and smooth look to the nails. They might grow faster, healthier, and stronger.
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Boosts Metabolism
Biotin is an essential vitamin for improving[15] metabolism. It uses up fats, carbohydrates, and proteins present in the body to release the required energy.
Accelerated metabolism may also aid the process of weight loss.
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Tissue Repair
Biotin is required by the body for muscle growth and development. Biotin has dual benefits for muscles and tissues.
Firstly, it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This helps to reduce[16] the risk of muscle damage and other threats to growth.
Secondly, it works actively to repair damaged tissues and muscles. Thus, the repair of muscles takes very less time.
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Boosts Brain Function
Just like other body parts, biotin is required for healthy brain function. Vitamin H( biotin) is used by the brain for the formation of the myelin sheath[17].
It is a protective cover that prevents damage and injuries to the brain. As biotin also promotes better blood flow, it might improve[18] cognitive function.
It boosts neurotransmitter activity and keeps your nervous system intact. It aids in transmitting nerve signals.
Like other B vitamins, biotin works wonders for memory power. People with a good biotin intake might be more resistant to neurodegenerative disorders.
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Vital For Thyroid Function
Key glands of the body regulate normal functioning. Biotin is required to sustain healthy thyroid function.
Sleep, hunger, pain, weight, and energy are also regulated by biotin. If you experience unhealthy weight gain or fatigue, increasing the biotin dosage might help[19].
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Refreshes Mood
Fatigue and sadness strike in the absence of good metabolism. Biotin provides energy which also rejuvenates the mood.
A study[20] has shown that it could also help in lowering the occurrence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms.
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Important For Healthy Cell Growth
Biotin is essential for the formation of DNA. It ensures that genetic information is precise and equally distributed among the cells.
Therefore, biotin is important for healthy cell development. That is why it is recommended to take more biotin during pregnancy. It improves[21] the chances of healthy embryonic growth.
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Antiallergic And Anti-Inflammatory
B complex vitamins are a source of energy. Additionally, they keep harmful bacteria away.
The anti-inflammatory properties help promote better heart health and muscles. It also prevents the recurrence of several allergies.
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Immunity Booster
Biotin is required for the formation of white blood cells. Thus, biotin-rich foods are the best way to get enough biotin.
It strengthens immunity. A deficiency of biotin makes you prone to several health issues.
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Little To No Risk Of Overdose
There have been studies about biotin supplements carrying very little risk which is possible even in high doses.
Biotin is water soluble which makes it quite impossible to overdose on it. This is because the water-soluble property flushes out the excess biotin in your body through urination.
So, there can be a few worse impacts of excess consumption of biotin in your body.
Dangers Of Biotin Deficiency
Biotin deficiency can be very hazardous[22]. Common symptoms of such deficiency include
- Brittle nails
- Rashes
- Hair thinning
- Disturbing the glucose metabolism
Taking precautions such as fresh and healthy biotin foods might eliminate the risk of deficiency.
An intake of 30- 100 micrograms of biotin every day is sufficient for a healthy person. The recommended daily allowance is more for pregnant and lactating ladies.
Conclusion
Biotin or vitamin H belongs to the class of B complex vitamins. It is a key component for healthy body functioning.
It works wonders for the body, both internally and externally. The brain, heart, and nervous system work efficiently when you keep up with the required daily amounts of biotin.
It might even help you manage weight and get your desired body shape. It is best to avoid supplements and eat biotin-rich food till the doctor prescribes supplementation.
Excess biotin is removed by urine as it is water soluble. So, it is largely safe and has no major health hazards.
Nausea or digestion problems are rare symptoms to be seen. Overall, biotin is a safe and healthy vitamin to consider.
References/Sources
Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.
- Karlyle G. Bistas; Prasanna Tadi. Biotin Last Update: July 4, 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554493/
- Philip Mathew; Deepu Thoppil. Hypoglycemia Last Update: July 23, 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534841/
- Mitra Hemmati, Homa Babaei, and Mohammadreza Abdolsalehei Survey of the Effect of Biotin on Glycemic Control and Plasma Lipid Concentrations in Type 1 Diabetic Patients in Kermanshah in Iran (2008-2009) Oman Med J. 2013 May; 28(3): 195–198.doi: 10.5001/omj.2013.53
- Marcus F. Hill; Bruno Bordoni. Hyperlipidemia Last Update: February 8, 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559182/
- Cristina Revilla-Monsalve, Iván Zendejas-Ruiz, Sergio Islas-Andrade, et al. Biotin supplementation reduces plasma triacylglycerol and VLDL in type 2 diabetic patients and in nondiabetic subjects with hypertriglyceridemia Biomed Pharmacother. 2006 May;60(4):182-5. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2006.03.005. Epub 2006 Mar 31. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16677798/
- Mine Turgut, Vedat Cinar, Ragip Pala, et al. Biotin and chromium histidinate improve glucose metabolism and proteins expression levels of IRS-1, PPAR-γ, and NF-κB in exercise-trained rats J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018; 15: 45.Published online 2018 Sep 15. doi: 10.1186/s12970-018-0249-4
- Yuko Ichihara, Kenichi Suga, Maika Fukui, et al. Serum biotin level during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth and preterm delivery J Med Invest. 2020;67(1.2):170-173. doi: 10.2152/jmi.67.170. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32378602/
- Cydne A Perry, Allyson A West, Antoinette Gayle, et al. Pregnancy and Lactation Alter Biomarkers of Biotin Metabolism in Women Consuming a Controlled Diet J Nutr. 2014 Dec; 144(12): 1977–1984. Published online 2014 Aug 13. doi: 10.3945/jn.114.194472
- D M Mock Skin manifestations of biotin deficiency Semin Dermatol. 1991 Dec;10(4):296-302. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1764357/
- Ayman Tourbah, Christine Lebrun-Frenay, Gilles Edan, et al. MD1003 (high-dose biotin) for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Mult Scler. 2016 Nov; 22(13): 1719–1731.
Published online 2016 Sep 1. doi: 10.1177/1352458516667568 - A Reddi, B DeAngelis, O Frank, et al. Biotin supplementation improves glucose and insulin tolerances in genetically diabetic KK mice Life Sci. 1988;42(13):1323-30. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(88)90226-3. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3280936/
- Badr A. Aldahmash, Doaa M. El-Nagar, Khalid E. Ibrahim, et al. Biotin amelioration of nephrotoxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice Saudi J Biol Sci. 2015 Sep; 22(5): 564–569.Published online 2015 Mar 14. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.03.003
- Deepa P. Patel, Shane M. Swink, and Leslie Castelo-Soccio A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss Skin Appendage Disord. 2017 Aug; 3(3): 166–169.Published online 2017 Apr 27. doi: 10.1159/000462981
- Shari R Lipner, Richard K Scher Biotin for the treatment of nail disease: what is the evidence? J Dermatolog Treat. 2018 Jun;29(4):411-414. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2017.1395799. Epub 2017 Nov 9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29057689/
- R Rodríguez Meléndez [Importance of biotin metabolism] Rev Invest Clin. 2000 Mar-Apr;52(2):194-9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10846444/
- Sudhanshu Agrawal, Anshu Agrawal, and Hamid M. Said Biotin deficiency enhances the inflammatory response of human dendritic cells Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2016 Sep 1; 311(3): C386–C391.Published online 2016 Jul 13. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00141.2016
- Qiao-Ling Cui, Yun Hsuan Lin, Yu Kang T. Xu, et al. Effects of Biotin on survival, ensheathment, and ATP production by oligodendrocyte lineage cells in vitro PLoS One. 2020; 15(5): e0233859.Published online 2020 May 29. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233859
- David O. Kennedy B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review Nutrients. 2016 Feb; 8(2): 68.
Published online 2016 Jan 28. doi: 10.3390/nu8020068 - Arash Ardabilygazir, Sonia Afshariyamchlou, Danial Mir, et al. Effect of High-dose Biotin on Thyroid Function Tests: Case Report and Literature Review Cureus. 2018 Jun; 10(6): e2845.Published online 2018 Jun 20. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2845
- Baharak Mahdavifar, Mahdieh Hosseinzadeh, Amin Salehi-Abargouei, et al. Dietary intake of B vitamins and their association with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms: A cross-sectional, population-based survey J Affect Disord. 2021 Jun 1;288:92-98. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.03.055. Epub 2021 Mar 26. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33848753/
- Sarah E R H Crisp, Jacob B Griffin, Brett R White, et al. Biotin supply affects rates of cell proliferation, biotinylation of carboxylases and histones, and expression of the gene encoding the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter in JAr choriocarcinoma cells Eur J Nutr. 2004 Feb;43(1):23-31. doi: 10.1007/s00394-004-0435-9. Epub 2004 Jan 6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14991266/
- Fatima Saleem; Michael P. Soos. Biotin Deficiency Last Update: March 2, 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547751/
- About the Author
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Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.