Effects Of The Vitamin Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, part of the B family of vitamins. Along with the rest of the B vitamins, biotin, also called vitamin B7 and vitamin H, plays a key role in the metabolism of cells, helping to convert the nutrients you eat into the energy required to function normally. Biotin is found in a wide array of foods, including eggs, liver, wheat bran and baker's yeast, and deficiencies are extremely rare, according to MedlinePlus.

Lowers Blood Sugar

In "There Is a Cure for Diabetes," author Gabriel Cousens, M.D., observes that biotin seems to increase insulin sensitivity and also activates glucokinase, an enzyme that promotes the liver's utilization of glucose. This stimulation of glucokinase activity is significant for diabetics, who generally have low levels of the enzyme, according to the author. He also points out that biotin deficiency causes impaired utilization of glucose, while optimal levels of the vitamin reduce fasting levels of blood sugar.

Cousens cites a study in which serum levels of biotin were compared between 43 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or NIDDM, and a control group of non-diabetic test subjects. Biotin levels in the NIDDM patients were significantly lower than those of the control group, "and lower fasting blood glucose levels were associated with high blood biotin levels." After one month of daily supplementation with 9mg of biotin, fasting blood glucose levels in the NIDDM group declined by an average of 45 percent, the author reports. Consult with your doctor before beginning any regimen of self-treatment with biotin or any other dietary supplement.

Strengthens Nails

If you're troubled by brittle nails, you might want to consider biotin supplements. Leslie Baumann, M.D., author of "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice," reports that studies have shown that biotin increases nail thickness by roughly 25 percent in patients with brittle nails and also helps to prevent nail flaking and breakage. Baumann suggests a daily supplement of 2.5mg of biotin can help increase nail strength in patients whose nails split or break with little provocation. Check with a medical professional to determine if biotin might be appropriate for you.

Relieves Skin, Hair Disorders

John D. Kirschmann, author of "Nutrition Almanac," writes that biotin's role as a catalyst in cellular metabolism--particularly the metabolism of fat--makes it useful in the treatment of various skin and hair disorders, including dermatitis, hair graying and hair loss. In fact, classic signs of overt biotin deficiency include "include hair loss and a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth and genital area," according to the website of Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute. Talk to your doctor before beginning any regimen of self-treatment.