Should you take Biotin Supplements
Biotin is an essential dietary component that belongs to Vitamin B family. It is found in small quantities in several foods and it facilitates in the metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Biotin supplements are used for treating and preventing the deficiency associated with tube feeding, pregnancy and rapid weight loss. Several hair care products also contain biotin, as it is believed to promote hair growth. Some people also use Biotin to treat skin rashes, diabetes and depression.
How does Biotin Work?
Biotin is an important part of the enzymes that help in breaking down substances like carbohydrates and fats. Most laboratories don’t have a good test that will help in detecting biotin deficiency. Doctors look at symptoms of biotin deficiency like hair loss and rashes around the nose, eyes and mouth before prescribing biotin supplements. Some of the changes in the nervous system experienced by people who suffer from biotin deficiency include exhaustion, tingling sensation in the legs and arms, hallucination and depression.
Problems associated with Biotin Deficiency
Biotin supplements are given to people for prevention and treatment of biotin deficiency. Some of the factors that can lead to biotin deficiency include consumption of raw egg, inadequate nutrition, genetic mutation, anticonvulsant therapy and oral antibiotic treatment. In the initial stages of biotin deficiency people may experience symptoms like hair loss, dry skin, fungal infection, seborrheic dermatitis and rashes. If these symptoms or not treated, it could lead to drowsiness, depression, mental instability, muscular pain, paresthesias and hyperesthesias.
How Biotin Supplements can help
Biotin Supplements can help people who are suffering from biotin deficiency. Some of the benefits include:
Treating Birth Defects
Biotin supplements can help in treating birth defects that are caused due to biotin deficiency. In a recent study, it was found that 1 out of 4 pregnant women suffer from biotin deficiency which can lead to several problems in the fetus. Health experts recommend that women can consume biotin supplements during pregnancy after consulting their gynaecologist.
Treat Brittle Fingernails
After discovering the benefits of biotin supplements in horses and swine suffering from hoof abnormalities, the researchers at Oregon State University conducted several test to find out whether these supplements can be used to strengthen fingernails of humans. In clinical trials they found that at least 67 percent of the test subjects benefited from biotin supplements. Clinical trials have also proved that fingernails of the subjects that took biotin supplements become at least 25 percent thicker.
Prevent Hair Loss
Even though limited studies have been conducted to find out the benefits of biotin supplements on people who are suffering from hair loss, many people have reported that they have better hair growth after taking biotin supplements. However, biotin supplements are effective only on people who suffer from hair loss because of biotin deficiency.
Interaction with other drugs and nutrients
Biotin supplements can react with other drugs and nutrients to cause health problems. Studies have shown that large amount of Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid could reduce the absorption of biotin in the cells and intestine because these nutrients and biotin have similar cell structure. Long-term use of antibiotics and anti-seizure medications can also reduce biotin levels in the body.
Dosage
The dose of biotin supplements depends on several factors like health, age and several other factors. At this time, we do not have enough information to determine the dose you can take. Always remember that not all natural products are safe and their dosages are important. You must consult your health care provider to find out the dose you must take to treat the symptoms of biotin deficiency.
Side Effects of Biotin Supplements
Biotin supplements have little or no side effects when it is taken appropriately. However, it is best that you consult your doctor for the recommended dosage of biotin supplements. Pregnant women and breast-feeding moms must take biotin supplements only after they consult their gynaecologist. People undergoing kidney dialysis must take these supplements only after consulting their health care provider.
Category: Health Care Products