What Is Biotin?
Also known as vitamin H, biotin is one of the B complex vitamins that help the body convert food into energy.
The word “biotin” comes from the ancient Greek word “biotos,” which means “life” or “sustenance.” B vitamins, specifically biotin, help keep your skin, hair, eyes, liver, and nervous system healthy. Biotin is also a crucial nutrient during pregnancy, as it’s essential for embryonic growth.
Your body needs biotin to help convert certain nutrients into energy. It also plays a vital role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails.
Keratin is an essential protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. Biotin improves your body’s keratin infrastructure.
If you don’t think you’re getting enough biotin from your diet, or if you’re just looking to up your dosage, supplements may be an option.
Although the Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary supplements, it’s essential to read the packaging carefully and only purchase from a supplier you trust.
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Other benefits of biotin
Although more research is needed to assess its effects on hair growth, biotin does have several proven benefits.
For example, biotin is one of several B vitamins that support a healthy metabolism. Biotin converts glucose from carbohydrates into energy for the body and aids amino acids in carrying out normal bodily functions.
Biotin is also thought to:
- reduce inflammation.
- improve cognitive function.
- help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.
- increase HDL “good” cholesterol and decrease LDL “bad” cholesterol.
How long until you see results?
Most people won’t see any noticeable benefits until they’ve increased their intake for several months. For best results, you should be consistent in your intake.
If you’re increasing your intake through food, you’ll need to eat several biotin-rich foods daily to ingest enough biotin to make a difference.
If you’re taking a supplement, it’s essential that you take it daily or as your doctor instructs you to.
Although research is limited, studies from 2012 and 2015 suggest that results may be seen in as little as 90 days.
This includes an increase in growth and shine. It’s thought that the longer you consume a higher dose, the better your results will be.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/the-benefits-of-biotin