Biotin: what it is
Biotin is a B-complex vitamin (B7 or B8, depending on whether the nomenclature is German or English). Also called vitamin H, biotin is also a coenzyme, ie it allows the function of some enzymes that regulate the metabolism of fats, proteins and sugars .
It is therefore important for the liver and for the functions it is assigned to perform. Finally, biotin is necessary for the construction of DNA.
Biotin is absorbed in the intestine, and then transferred by the liver . It is therefore important to keep the intestinal flora healthy, without which the biotin could be lost.
Properties of biotin
The benefits of biotin for the body are numerous: it is an essential vitamin and a coenzyme able to help the absorption of other B vitamins. Its main properties are:
> Beneficial for the health of skin, hair and nails : biotin helps in case of skin, hair and nail fragility, improves the appearance of these tissues, and promotes hair growth, counteracting alopecia, and acting on production sebaceous;
> it is useful in case of seborrheic dermatitis : due to its property of acting on the sebaceous glands and as a regulator of sebum production in the skin, it is effective in case of seborrheic dermatitis;
> during pregnancy, associated with the intake of folic acid, it facilitates a correct fetal development ;
> improves the metabolism of sugars, carbohydrates and fats responsible for the formation of cholesterol : biotin plays an important metabolic role, keeping blood glucose and cholesterol levels stable.
Due to its metabolic function at the level of sugars, it is indicated in cases of slight depression due to energy deficit and in cases of diabetes : in this last case, in-depth scientific studies are in progress to prove its effectiveness.
Biotin: indications
Biotin is not produced independently by the body, so it is necessary to introduce it from the outside . Furthermore, being water-soluble, the body does not constitute reserves, therefore it must be taken daily .
In a balanced diet the intake of biotin easily reaches the daily requirement, but in particular cases, such as a too poor and restrictive diet, in cases of excessive and rapid weight loss, or while taking antibiotics, biotin can and should be integrated.
On the market there are supplements based on biotin, to be taken under medical indication if the lack is ascertained.
In cases where instead you want to improve the appearance of the skin, hair, nails and act on the metabolism, you can increase your biotin intake by implementing the consumption of certain foods: meat and dairy products are rich, but also brewer's yeast and dried fruit, although the absorption of biotin in these latter foods is limited.
By taking these foods you can increase the availability of biotin, since each food has, in its only entirety, all the components necessary for the absorption of vitamins and nutrients, often more than an isolated food supplement can afford.
