Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7 is a water-soluble vitamin produced by colonic bacteria that is readily available in foods. Biotin deficiency is unusual because internal and external sources of biotin are plentiful. Biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, fatigue, dry skin and skin rash. Individuals with inadequate protein intake and alcoholism are at risk for biotin deficiency. According to drugs.com, there is no conclusive evidence that biotin supplements prevent or improve hair loss. The hair benefits of biotin can be viewed through its important role in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and red cells, which are essential to hair health. Biotin supplements should not be taken without first talking to your doctor. You should not take biotin if you are nursing or pregnant.
Biology of Biotin
Biotin is found naturally in a variety of foods such as soy, egg yolk, brewer's yeast, organ meats, bananas, carrots, cauliflower, cereals, liver and salmon. Cooking and preservation reduce the biotin content of foods. According to Ray Sahelian, M.D., raw egg white contains a substance called avidin which blocks the absorption of biotin. Phenobarbital and anticonvulsants as well as environmental exposure to cigarette smoke can predispose to biotin deficiency. Severe, prolonged biotin deficiency can be fatal.
Biotin is a co-enzyme that is essential to the creation of fatty acids and nucleic acids from which DNA is made. Proper DNA synthesis is essential for healthy cell growth and division. Biotin co-enzyme is also active in the oxidation of fatty acids and carbohydrates, which means that it is important in cellular glucose metabolism and energy production. Proper hair growth is dependent upon all of these factors.
Red Cells and Biotin
The scalp and the hair follicles within it require oxygen for metabolic processes. Red cells carry oxygen to all tissues, including to the scalp and hair follicles. Healthy red cells and healthy blood vessels are needed for optimum oxygen delivery to tissues. Biotin is one of many vitamins active in the production and health of red cells, so it is important to the oxygenation of all tissues of the body, including hair follicles.
Biotin and Carbohydrates
Dietary carbohydrates are converted to glucose, an essential nutrient for cellular energy. Biotin is active in the glucose-dependent energy production processes of cells. According to Dr. Sahelian, biotin also stimulates insulin. Insulin makes it possible for blood glucose to enter cells. Once inside the cell, glucose is available for metabolic processes. Cells involved in hair production, just like all the cells in the body, are dependent upon glucose entry into cells in order to carry out certain vital functions. The role of biotin in glucose metabolism makes it an important element in hair health.
Biotin and Protein
Hair is composed mostly of protein called keratin, which is produced by cells called keratinocytes. Keratin contributes to the hardness of skin, hair and nails. The body sheds thousands of keratinocytes daily. Biotin is important for states of rapid cell division because of its role in DNA synthesis and production of cellular energy. Rapid cell division of developing human embryos is one reason that pregnancy is associated with increased biotin demand.
References
- “Benefits and Functions of BiotinVitamin H for Hair Growth, Treating Dermatitis and Diabetes.” Sarah Tennant. Apr 30, 2008.
- “Biotin Consumer Information.” Drugs.com. 2010.
- ”Biotin.” 2010.
- “Biotin: Herbal Remedies, Supplements”. PDRHealth. 2010.
- “Biotin Vitamin Health Benefit.” Ray Sahelian, M.D. 2010.
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