BIOTIN

Biotin is one of eight essential vitamins that comprise the B-complex. Like all of the members of the B-complex, biotin plays significant role in energy metabolism, acting as a coenzyme in chemical reactions that produce energy. Biotin works with other B vitamins to make healthy cells and convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. Biotin is also known as the vitamin that produces healthy hair and helps prevent graying. Since 1942, it has been studied for its role in the production of many enzymes. Biotin has had a number of different names since it was first discovered. Biotin is still sometimes referred to as vitamin H, although it is now known that biotin is a B-complex vitamin.

Biotin is required by the body for the proper function of insulin and the synthesis of amino and fatty acids which are the building blocks of proteins and fats respectively. Biotin is found abundantly in many plant and animal foods. Bacteria in the intestines also produce a considerable amount of biotin. The best food sources of biotin includes liver, milk, brewer's yeast, bananas, grapefruit, watermelon, strawberries, nuts, green peas, lentils, soybeans, sunflower seeds, corn, fortified cereals, cauliflower, meat, milk, poultry, saltwater fish, soybeans, and whole grains. Biotin is destroyed by certain food-processing techniques such as canning and heat curing, and raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which combines with biotin in the intestinal tract to reduce the body of this needed nutrient.

BENEFITS OF BIOTIN
Biotin plays a vital role in the production of energy from the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It provides a number of benefits when used clinically. It may support the health of nails and offer treatment for brittle nails. Meanwhile, it may help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics while possibly improving nervous disorders related with diabetes. Biotin also promotes healthy hair, skin, sweat glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, and male sex glands. Biotin is a widely used ingredient in hair products due to its hair promoting properties. Biotin increases hair cortex elasticity , prevents breakage, and thickens hair cuticle. A condition called seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, which is characterized by a dry, scaly scalp, may occur as a result of biotin deficiency.

Vitamin B8 or biotin is vital for a healthy immune system. This vitamin helps to maintain the skin and the nervous system in a sound condition. It controls proper distribution of color pigment. An extremely small amount of this vitamin has a marked effect on the growth of yeast and certain bacteria. It forms part of several enzyme systems.

USES OF BIOTIN
Biotin is very beneficial for treating a number of skin disorders as well as thinning and balding hair. Biotin supplements are frequently used in the diets of individuals that may be less than nutritionally sound such as those on an intravenous feeding tubs, persons suffering from anorexia, and persons missing a portion of the small intestine. Some common uses of biotin are as follows

• Biotin has a key role in fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism and the creation of glycogen, the body's short-term energy supply that is stored in muscle.
• Biotin may be a useful aid to weight loss.
• Biotin may also be of benefit to diabetics because it is able to lower blood sugar levels and metabolize carbohydrates.
• Biotin is essential in converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins to energy.
• Biotin is recommended by experts during pregnancy to avoid possible birth defects.
• People on anti-seizure medications and those who consume a great deal of alcohol may also need extra biotin in their diets.

SIDE EFFECTS OF BIOTIN
Biotin supplements are safe even large doses have no known toxic effects. Side effects from biotin supplements should not occur if the vitamin is taken within recommended amounts. If side effects do occur, lowering the dosage of biotin is usually sufficient to eliminate these effects.

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