Biotin for Hair

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a member of the powerful B-complex vitamin family. Biotin is essential to human growth and development. It enables the utilization of nutrients plus the development and maintenance of epidermal tissue and bone. Among performing key metabolic functions in the body, such as processing carbohydrates, fats and amino acids, biotin helps establish and maintain the integrity of hair and nails.

Biotin for Beauty

Early studies of livestock concluded that biotin supplementation increased the health of animal hooves, allowing them to grow faster and stronger. Likewise, biotin has been shown to improve the health of human nails and hair. Largely the way it does this is by assisting in the production of keratin, the protein that gives rigidity and structure to our hair and nails.

Biotin for Hair Health

Maintaining optimum levels of biotin in the body on a consistent basis can enhance hair quality, particularly for those with fine, weak and dry hair. Biotin has the capability to increase the strength of individual strands as well as slow the rate of hair breakage and loss. Consequently, biotin may also reduce split ends and flyaway hair (a common byproduct of dryness).

Biotin for Hair Loss

Biotin deficiency rarely, if ever, occurs in healthy individuals who consume a regular diet. When it does occur, due to insufficient dietary intake or a drug interaction, biotin deficiency is first noticeable in weak, dry nails and hair. Hair loss is also a sign of extreme biotin deficiency.
Maintaining consistent levels of biotin in the body can act as a preventative measure against hair loss and baldness. In cases of hair loss due to biotin deficiency, adequate supplementation of biotin has resulted in the regrowth of healthy hair.

Alopecia and Cradle Cap

Biotin in combination with zinc and topical clobetasol propionate helps to combat alopecia (full to partial hair loss). Additionally, administering proper dosages of biotin to infants suffering from seborrheic dermatitis (also known as cradle cap) has been successful in treating this scaly scalp condition.

Proper Biotin Intake For Humans

Per the Food and Nutrition Board, the recommended daily adequate intake (AI) level of biotin for individuals age 19 years and older is 30 mcg (micrograms).
Biotin is found in brewer's yeast, milk, cooked eggs (particularly yolk), beans, sardines, nuts, soybeans, whole grains, bananas and mushrooms. In general, consume these foods in their least-processed state, as they will contain more biotin than those that have undergone heavy processing.
Biotin is easy to find in supplements. It is likely to be included in B-complex and multivitamin formulas. Note that biotin is highly synergistic, working in conjunction with vitamins A, B2, B6, and niacin.