There is a lot of research regarding biotin for hair growth. Aside from improving overall hair health, biotin also benefits the skin and body. From issues such as brittle hair and nails, skin rashes, high cholesterol and high blood sugar, biotin is a vitamin vital to the body’s function. Although we’ll mainly focus on biotin for hair, we will also be touching base on the other biotin benefits as well.
What is biotin?
This is usually the number one question asked by those who may see biotin pills on the shelf of the vitamin isle or see it in an ingredient list of their hair products. Biotin (vitamin b-7) is a vitamin B complex that is also known as vitamin H. This vitamin is essential for the body’s cell growth and deficiencies may lead to harmful effects on the body. Biotin is found in several foods including egg yolks, chicken, dairy products, Swiss chard, whole wheat bread, and whole grain cereals. Though there are many foods that contain biotin, they are only comprised of small amounts, so it is necessary to find other ways to add biotin to your body.
Types of biotin
Biotin is available in pill form for overall body health and cell health. These biotin pills are available at several drugstores both online and local. Standard pill bottles are usually priced from $8-12 dollars.
If you decide to take biotin pills, here are the recommended usages:
– 0-6 months: 5 mcg/day
– 7-12 months: 6mcg/day
– 1-3 years: 8 mcg/day
– 4-8 years: 12mcg/day
– 9-13 years: 20 mcg/day
– 14-18 years: 35 mcg/day
– 19 years and up: 30 mcg/day
– Pregnant women: 30 mcg/day
– Breastfeeding women: 35 mcg/day
Another form of biotin can also be located in other products, especially hair products. From biotin conditioners to special serums, this ingredient can be seen on the labels of several hair products for hair growth results. However, when looking for these biotin enriched hair products, be sure that they also include other beneficial ingredients for hair growth, so they can add even greater benefits to your hair. Other ingredients that work well with biotin for hair are saw palmetto, jojoba and tea tree oils, as well as sulfate free elements.
Biotin Benefits
Biotin benefits are immense and there is no question that this vitamin is an important part of your body’s health. However, biotin has proven to be beneficial in many areas of the body. One of the most popular benefits is for hair growth. Biotin repairs and strengthens hair proteins, creating both thicker and stronger locks. A deficiency in biotin can also lead to hair loss and shedding issues. If you are someone who is experiencing hair loss, in order to add nutrients to your hair, it is best to use a hair loss shampoo like Regenepure NT or condition with products that contain biotin for hair growth and thickening purposes. One of the more common topical hair products is a biotin conditioner. It is proven to provide beneficial nutrients to the hair and maintain health while adding thickness to the hair strands. Similarly to hair, nails also contain keratin making biotin an excellent source to strengthen brittle nails and improve overall nail health.
Biotin also provides internal benefits. Biotin supplements have been used to boost metabolism. When your body contains high levels of biotin it helps your body digest food quicker. Another major benefit is its ability to balance blood sugar levels by breaking down the carbohydrates in your body. When used in combination with other medications, those suffering from diabetes may notice healthier levels of blood sugar.
Biotin Side Effects
Most vitamins do not have many negative effects, however caution should still be applied. Everything needs to be taken in moderation. It is important to use the recommended dosages per age group. While biotin has been proven to be safe for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, it is always best to consult a doctor. You should also consult your doctor if you are receiving kidney dialysis because you may require extra dosages of biotin. At times biotin may cause breakouts, in those cases users should discontinue use and consult a doctor to see if the breakouts are directly linked to the biotin intake.
Biotin is a valuable vitamin to add to your healthy regimen. Whether you’re suffering from damaged hair, hair loss, unstable blood sugar levels, or need a boost in metabolism, biotin will provide overall bodily health with the recommended dosage. To learn about our new Intense Volumizing Biotin Conditioner visit our products page.