Biotin (Vitamin B7 or H)

Also known as: Biotin is also known as Vitamin H or Vitamin B7.

Biotin is a member of the B vitamin family, and is an essential nutrient for health. It is one of the water soluble vitamins.

The name biotin is derived from the Greek word “bios”, meaning “life”.

Without biotin some enzymes do not work properly, causing various problems involving the skin, hair and nails, intestinal tract, and even the nervous system.

Metabolic complications, including very low blood sugar levels between meals, high blood ammonia, or acidic blood, can occur.

Home Remedies using Biotin:

Benefits and Uses of Biotin:

Biotin is involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, gluconegenesis, energy production, and metabolism of the branched-chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine) as well as the “de novo” synthesis of purine nucleotides.

Biotin plays a role in gene expression and it may play a role in DNA replication.

Biotin deficiency is extremely rare because daily requirements are relatively small, and is found in many foods.

Biotin is essential for many body functions as stated below:

• Aids in cell growth
• Used in production of fatty acids
• Required for metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
• Necessary for proper utilization of B-complex vitamins
• Needed for healthy skin and hair
• Promotes healthy sweat glands, nerve tissue, and bone marrow
• Plays a role in the Kreb cycle (the process in which energy is released from food)

Biotin is used to promote health and proper body function. Some of the reasons people need biotin include:

• May help prevent hair loss in some men
• Assists with reduction of muscle pain
• Assists in various metabolic chemical conversions
• Helps with the transfer of carbon dioxide
• Helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level
• Comes in tablet form
• Comes in capsule form
• May come in a combination in liquid multi-vitamin supplements

Biotin can be produced in the body and can be found in:

• Cheese
• Beef liver
• Cauliflower
• Eggs
• Mushrooms
• Chicken breasts
• Salmon
• Spinach
• Brewer’s yeast
• Nuts

Side Effects of Biotin:

There is no evidence to suggest side effects in large doses of Biotin. If side effects should occur lowering the dosage of biotin is usually sufficient to eliminate these effect.