VITAMIN B7

Also known as: Biotin, Vitamin H

Vitamin B7, better known as Biotin and sometimes referred to as Vitamin H, is renowned for its seemingly magical ability strengthen hair and nails.

A supplement containing biotin alone is generally not necessary, so continue taking a general-purpose multivitamin or b-complex vitamin daily.

Vitamin B7 is a safe supplement. Since biotin is water-soluble, excess levels are excreted in the urine, reducing the chance of toxicity.

Symptoms of a biotin deficiency:

• Anemia
• Depression
• Hair loss
• High blood sugar
• Inflammation or pallor of the skin and mucous membranes
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Muscular pain
• Nausea and soreness of the tongue

Home Remedies using Vitamin B7:

Benefits and Uses of Vitamin B7:

There are many benefits associated with consuming adequate amounts of Vitamin B7 daily.

Some of which include: Aiding in cell growth, fatty acid production, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, utilizing other B-complex vitamins, and promoting healthy hair and skin.

Healthy food sources containing Vitamin B7:

• Filberts
• Almonds
• Bananas
• Brewer’s yeast
• Cauliflower
• Cooked eggs
• Grapefruit
• Liver
• Milk
• Mushrooms
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Soy
• Strawberry
• Sweet potatoes
• Watermelon

Vitamin B7 is used in treating cradle cap (also known as seborrhea dermatitis) which is characterized by a dry, scaly scalp.

Cradle cap may occur from a Vitamin B7 deficiency. Vitamin B7 deficiencies are rare, however, does occur.

Vitamin B7 is also used to treat diabetes and to strengthen hair and nails. The need for biotin is the highest in pregnant and nursing women.

Hair and Nails:

Vitamin B7 may work to strengthen hair and nails by helping to form “cross links” between the molecules of the protein Keratin, which constitutes most of the structure of hair and nails.

Biotin can be found in many beauty products such as shampoos, hair conditioners and nail polishes. The recommended daily dosage for improving the condition of hair and nails is 3,000 micrograms daily.

Diabetes:

Research indicates that patients suffering from diabetes may benefit from taking 7,000 to 15,000 mcg of Vitamin B7 daily. Vitamin B7 is thought to help control blood sugar levels and prevent symptoms of neuropathy in people with diabetes. Biotin may also be involved in the synthesis of insulin.

Hair loss (men):

Preliminary research points to Vitamin B7 in preventing hair loss in men.

Side Effects of Vitamin B7:

There are no known side effects of Vitamin B7.

People taking ant seizure medications may require higher dosages of Vitamin B7; take Vitamin B7 two to three hours after taking any seizure medications.