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MAIN
Health
Vitamins
& Minerals
Biotin
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Biotin
Fast Facts
Foods:
liver, cauliflower, cheese,
eggs, mushrooms, spinach, chicken
breast, salmon
What
it's good for: helps
in metabolizing fats, proteins
& carbohydrates with additional
research indicating beneficial
uses to fight type 2 diabetes,
brittle nails and hair loss
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Biotin
is a vitamin that goes by several names, including vitamin
H and vitamin B7. It is essential in several of the body's
metabolic reactions and plays an important role in cell growth.
Although most of the biotin the body needs is produced in
the intestines, there are still some health benefits to be
garnered from biotin supplementation.
One common use for biotin is as a treatment for brittle fingernails.
One study found that 67% to 91% of those who had brittle fingernails
and were given biotin reported a significant improvement.
A similar research study found that those with brittle fingernails
who were given biotin experienced a 25% growth in fingernail
thickness, and nail splitting was significantly decreased.
There is also research to suggest that biotin may be useful
in treating diabetes.
It is quite common for those with type 2 diabetes to have
low levels of biotin, much lower than the recommended amount.
The researchers found that biotin may plays a useful role
in improving blood glucose control, and so those with diabetes,
and especially type 2 diabetes, should take care to make sure
they have an adequate level of biotin.
One extremely common use of biotin is as a topical treatment
for hair
loss. Consumers should be aware, however, that despite
the widespread practice of adding biotin to hair loss treatments,
there is no evidence to suggest that biotin is actually effective
unless that hair loss comes as a result of biotin deficiency.
Most of the biotin the body needs is actually produced in
the intestines, but additional biotin can be found in a variety
of foods, including romaine lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, and
swiss chard.
Around
the Web, find out more about how biotin functions, where else
it can be found in natural food sources, and its recommended
daily intake.
eMedicine
- Biotin Deficiency -
Comprehensive information and causes of the rare disorder,
plus a description of physical symptoms, along with a history
and biochemistry.
MedlinePlus
Drug Information: Biotin (Systemic) - A description
of the nutrient, its importance in daily diet, precautions
and proper use, plus recommended dosage information.
MedlinePlus
Medical Encyclopedia: Pantothenic acid and biotin
- Brief definition, function, and a list of good food sources.
Biotin,
Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center
- Detailed information on its function, with conditions that
lead to possible deficiency, adequate intake by life stages,
its use in disease prevention and treatment, and major food
sources.
Food
Standards Agency - Biotin - A quick overview with
suggested sources and daily allowances with more complete
information and scientific assessment in PDF format.
Biotin
- A complete description plus information on its benefits,
how it works, indications and usage, drug interactions, dosage
by life stage and bibliography from PDRhealth.
also see
in Vitamins -> Vitamin
B1 | Vitamin
B2 | Vitamin
B3
Vitamin
B6 | Vitamin
B12 | Vitamin
B-Complex
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