Biotin is a vitamin belonging to the vitamin B family. It is also called vitamin B7 or vitamin H. Since biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to consume enough through food. It also takes part in many metabolic processes such as carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Biotin can also help increase cell growth, DNA and protein synthesis. Biotin levels are determined by a blood test.

What are the benefits of biotin (vitamin H)?

Biotin has many important functions in the cardiovascular system, metabolism, digestive and nervous systems. It is involved in the processing of amino acids, glucose and fatty acids. It converts carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy. Biotin also provides maintenance of blood cells and nerve tissue. It can help normalize blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes. It can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) and has a protective effect against heart diseases.

Biotin supports tissue formation and regeneration. It takes part in the production of keratin, the basic protein for hair, skin and nail formation. For this reason, biotin is an important vitamin for skin, hair and nail health. Biotin deficiency can cause hair loss and brittle nails. Biotin, which is an important vitamin in the skin, also plays a role in regulating the water balance of the skin.

What foods contain biotin (vitamin H)?

Since it is not stored in the body, biotin must be obtained through food. Among the best sources of biotin; legumes, egg yolk, yeast, peanuts, hazelnuts, spinach, soybeans, oat flakes, wheat, mushrooms and beef liver. Animal foods such as beef liver and egg yolk are particularly rich in biotin.

While biotin obtained from plant-based foods can be processed directly by the body, biotin obtained from animal products must first be broken down with the help of protein compounds in the body in order to be absorbed.

Because biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, vegetables should not be cooked with too much water or for too long. This is also true for most vitamins, because they are particularly sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen.

What is biotin (vitamin H) deficiency?

Biotin deficiency is rare and only becomes noticeable after a long period of time. For example, it manifests itself with hair loss and muscle pain. In addition, the nervous system may be impaired and depressive moods may occur. The risk of deficiency exists mainly in individuals with congenital biotin deficiency or who consistently follow a diet in which they consume little biotin. Pregnant women, children, and those who drink heavily may be at risk for biotin deficiency.

Does biotin really help for hair loss?

Biotin is an important vitamin that supports the formation of keratin, the basic building block of hair. Biotin is essential for skin and nail health. Biotin deficiency can cause weakening in hair, loss of hair, brittle nails, and deterioration of skin quality. In hair loss due to biotin deficiency, the normalization of biotin levels can stop hair loss.