Biotin, also known as vitamin B-7, is a B complex vitamin necessary for cell growth, metabolism and maintenance of healthy skin and nails. Biotin supplements are mainly used to treat and prevent biotin deficiency. Biotin supplements are also used to treat hair loss, brittle nails, skin rashes, depression and diabetes, notes MedlinePlus.
Diabetes and Biotin
If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may advise you to take biotin and chromium supplements to help improve blood sugar control. Research shows that biotin and chromium combination may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes that is poorly controlled by prescription anti-diabetic drugs, according to MedlinePlus.
Biotin and Diabetic Nerve Pain
Biotin supplements may also help reduce nerve pain in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves of the lower extremities are damaged by diabetes and other medical conditions. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling and nerve pain in affected extremities.
Biotin Supplements in Diabetics
Biotin is available in multivitamins, B-complex vitamins and as individual supplements. Consult your doctor before you take over-the-counter biotin supplements. It is important you take biotin supplements under the supervision of a doctor because it can interfere with your diabetes medications. The doctor can determine the best dosage of biotin you should take.
Natural Sources of Biotin
The daily recommended dietary intake of biotin is 30 micrograms for adults. You can obtain biotin from foods such as egg yolks, liver, cheese, brewer's yeast, whole-wheat bread, salmon, sardines, avocado, bananas, pork, cauliflower, soy beans, bean, whole grains, mushrooms, raspberries, almonds, walnuts, pecans and peanuts. Avoid eating raw egg whites because they contain a protein which interferes with biotin absorption.
