According to MedlinePlus, the biotin vitamin is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It is part of the B complex group of vitamins and is used to help create energy for the body by turning food into glucose. Biotin, whether from food sources or supplements, provides many benefits for your body.
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
MedlinePlus says that, based on preliminary research, biotin has been suggested both to help decrease insulin resistance in your body and to improve glucose tolerance. Both of these properties are important and beneficial if you suffer from type 2 diabetes. Also, biotin, in combination with a substance called chromium may be able to help control blood sugar level, but biotin alone may not have the same effect and further research is needed.
Hair and Nail Issues
Biotin may be able to help improve hair and nails that are brittle, thin or splitting by keeping them strong, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Biotin can help to treat a condition called alopecia, where you lose partial or all areas of your area, when combined with zinc and topical clobetasol propionate. Low amounts of biotin in your body can result in hair loss. According to BNET, biotin effectively treats brittle nail syndrome, a disease that makes nails breakable, weak, dry and soft. MedlinePlus says that biotin can help relieve brittle fingernails, particularly in women.
Peripheral Neuropathy
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that there are some reports that suggest biotin supplements may be effective in treating a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which results from kidney failure or diabetes. This condition damages the nerves and leads to a sensation of burning and numbness. In a study published in 1990 in the journal Biomedical Pharmacotherapy, biotin in high doses was provided to diabetic patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Subjects experienced improvement within four to eight weeks.
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