Biotin Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss is a common condition that can affect anyone. It can be caused by any number of factors and some hair loss can be treated. Biotin is a common treatment of hair loss and has also been used to improve thin, brittle nails. Most people obtain enough biotin through a healthy diet but many vitamin supplements also include biotin.

Hair Growth

Your hair undergoes a three-phase growing cycle. Each phase is important to the end result and nutrition plays a part during the whole cycle. Anagen is the first phase and the longest. It is the active growing phase lasting from two to six years. Catagen, the second phase, is shorter and is when the hair becomes keratin, a type of protein. Telogen is the final phase of the growing cycle. It is when your hair falls out and your hair follicle re-enters the first phase of anagen to begin the cycle over again.

Hair Loss

Hair loss occurs when your hair fails to re-enter the first phase of anagen. Gradually the hair follicles stop producing hair, leading to hair loss. There are many types and causes of hair loss, whether it's from hormones, illness or damage. There is male and female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common form. Hair loss can happen from malnutrition, side effects of medications, disease, chemotherapy, pregnancy and menopause.

Biotin

Biotin is a B vitamin and the primary deficiency symptom is thinning hair or hair loss. It plays an important part with enzymes in the body that break down substances such as fat and carbohydrates, according to Medline Plus. Biotin helps to synthesize fatty acids, amino acids and glucose, according to the Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide. It contributes to energy metabolism and enables the body to use blood sugar glucose. Biotin is essential for hair, nails and skin.

Significance

Biotin is part of a nutritional supplement patent, among other nutrients, for preventing hair loss, according to the patent "Nutrient Composition for Preventing Hair Loss." A study published in the 1985 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology followed three children with uncombable hair syndrome, characterized by slow-growing, straw-colored scalp hair. The children were given oral biotin three times a day. One child showed significant improvement with increased growth rate and strength.

Considerations

Consumption of raw egg whites can lead to a biotin deficiency because egg whites contain a protein that binds biotin and keeps it from being absorbed in the body. No side effects have been reported for biotin amounts up to 10 mg per day and excess biotin is excreted in the urine, according to the Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide.