What is biotin?
Biotin is a water soluble vitamin that does wonders for the human body. It is the other name for vitamin H or vitamin B7. It is one of the eight B vitamins and can be made by the bacteria in the intestine. It is also found in a number of foods that we may eat on a daily basis. It plays a key role in many biological processes and keeps you energized. Yes, biotin is responsible for the production of energy in the body, and it is really important for your body.
What does biotin do for you?
To begin with it acts as a catalyst or a coenzyme when food, such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins, are being converted into energy in the body. Essential fatty acids from the digestion of fats in our food, are really important for good nervous system function. A deficiency in biotin can show up as lethargy and extreme tiredness. Or maybe a feeling of feeling dull all the time. This is because of the importance of biotin in the manufacture of energy in the body. If you are feeling very tired, this may be a time to seek medical advice, and get a blood test carried out. Another option is to consider taking a biotin supplement, and get back to your healthy life as soon as possible.
The following video gives you some more information about the importance of biotin for optimal health.
Also since biotin regulates your metabolism and controls the production of biochemical energy in your body, it is a great aid during your weight loss phase. So if you are consciously trying to lose weight, do take some biotin and iron supplements to keep yourself energized and healthy. Weight loss can be a trying time for the body. And weight loss without adequate guidance can be harmful. Many people have reported hair fall and sudden brittleness in nails post the weight loss phase. That’s because of the body not getting nutrition enough. So be well informed about what you are doing.
What can biotin help you with?
Now that you have a broad idea about what biotin does for your body, its time to work out the finer details. This section will help you decide if biotin is in anyway relevant to the health issues that you may be having.
This following video follows on from the one just above. In it Dr. Osborne explores the factors that may cause a biotin deficiency.
In this video Dr. Osborne refers to some of the most common factors that may contribute to a biotin deficiency. They can also reduce the levels of biotin circulating in the body.
They are as follows:
- Alcohol consumption;
- Low stomach acid (from antacids and stomach surgery);
- Smoking;
- Pregnancy (increases demand for biotin);
- High consumption of egg whites;
- Chronic use of antibiotics – healthy bacteria produce biotin;
- Parenteral nutrition;
- Genetic inborn errors of metabolism;
- Seizure medications can also deplete biotin.