Biotin is extremely important for nerve health. Biotin activates key enzymes, which stimulate the body to produce myelin. When there is a healthy level of myelin in the body, nerve cells can communicate more effectively.
Producing more myelin may help many individuals who are suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies found that high doses of biotin, up to 10, times the daily adequate intake, could reduce symptoms in individuals suffering from nerve diseases.
Some individuals taking high doses of biotin reported less pain, improved energy levels, and reduced inflammation as noted in a recent pilot patient study. Biotin is found naturally in foods such as organ meats, egg yolks, cauliflower, milk, carrots, nuts and nut butters, mushrooms, bananas, soybeans and other legumes and whole grains. Because of this, those who want to receive the most active amount of biotin from food sources should consume their food raw or less processed as possible, or consider a biotin supplement.
Selected Food Sources of Biotin. While most healthy individuals can obtain the biotin they need from the foods they eat, individuals suffering from disease or illness or a biotin deficiency can not. The most well-known signs of biotin deficiency include hair loss and a scaly red rash. The rash typically shows up around the genitals, the nose, the mouth, and the eyes.
Adults with a serious biotin deficiency may experience lethargy, numbness, and tingling of the extremities, hallucinations, seizures, and depression. Some may also experience impaired immune system function and increased susceptibility to fungal infections and bacterial infections.
Other people particularly interested in higher doses of D-biotin are suffering from some form of nerve condition where inflammation and pain are a daily struggle. In these cases, biotin has been shown to deliver additional nutrition supporting regeneration of the myelin sheath and helping reduce nerve inflammation when taken over time. The Office of Dietary Supplements ODS , part of the National Institutes of Health, reports that studies of even higher doses of biotin, including studies of biotin at doses of 10mg to 50mg per day, have not produced any symptoms of toxicity.
Specifically, daily use of high doses of biotin supplements has been linked to inaccurate readings for lab tests used to measure certain hormone levels, including thyroid hormone. This has resulted in some biotin users receiving test results that falsely indicate hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease.
Use of biotin supplements has also been linked to falsely low results on troponin tests, which are often used to diagnose stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular conditions.
Because of this, the FDA recommends healthcare professionals ask patients about their use of biotin if their lab test results are unusual. Biotin supplements are safe and may be effective at treating certain forms of hair loss. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. As with many other supplements, biotin hasn't been tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications.
Biotin deficiency can occur in people who consume a lot of raw egg whites. That's because uncooked eggs contain avidin—a protein that blocks the absorption of biotin. Since biotin is produced in the intestines, people with inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions that disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria may not be able to produce enough biotin.
Excessive alcohol use, cirrhosis , and congenital biotin deficiency biotinidase deficiency may increase your need for biotin. A number of medications can lead to biotin deficiency as well. Among those are beta blockers, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, and retinoids. If you notice any symptoms of biotin deficiency, consult your healthcare provider.
Symptoms include:. Taking biotin supplements without being properly assessed by a healthcare provider poses the risk that diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of your symptoms will be delayed. Biotin deficiency is believed to be uncommon. Bacteria in the intestines usually provides more than the body's daily requirements, and many foods contain biotin as well. Food sources of biotin in micrograms per grams include:. There are many reasons why your hair may be thinning or losing its volume, including infection, emotional or physical trauma, alopecia, and certain medications.
There is not enough evidence to prove that biotin supplements are safe or effective. In most cases, the best way to prevent hair loss is to treat the underlying condition causing it. Unfortunately, you shouldn't believe everything you read on a product's packaging. While biotin has certainly become glamorized as a cure-all for hair health, manufacturers who shill biotin to promote their product aren't making factual claims. Nevertheless, it is true that your hair can provide insight into your overall health and nutrition.
If you are concerned about your hair health for any reason, talk to your healthcare provider. You may have an underlying condition, or perhaps, your diet simply needs a makeover.
It depends. Research suggests that biotin can stimulate hair regrowth in people who have a clinical biotin deficiency. There is no evidence to show biotin can improve hair growth in people without nutritional deficiencies. Yes, biotin can cause skin irritation and rashes in people who are sensitive to the B vitamin or other ingredients in the supplement. Taking too much biotin can also cause a skin rash. Topical biotin can irritate the skin. People with sensitive skin should do a patch test on their inner arm before applying biotin to a larger area.
No, there is no evidence to suggest taking biotin supplements can lead to weight gain. In fact, biotin is sometimes touted as a weight-loss supplement. However, there is no research to confirm biotin has any effect on weight. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. A review of the use of biotin for hair loss. Skin Appendage Disord. Biotin treatment mimicking Graves' disease. N Engl J Med. Updated March
0コメント