It’s mentioned in every beauty blog- what is biotin?

It’s safe to say that ‘biotin’ is a hot word at the moment. Simply take a look at any beauty blog and you’re sure to find at least one article singing the praises of this magical vitamin!

Biotin can help maintain healthy hair and nails, preventing them from looking brittle and dull. Taking biotin alongside other proven nutrients for healthy hair helps to promote healthy looking, thicker hair in line with your natural hair growth cycle.

And, according to the beauty bloggers, the results are nothing short of impressive!

But what exactly is biotin?

Also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, biotin is one of the B complex vitamins that help the body to convert carbohydrates and fats into energy your body can use.

Along with the other B vitamins, biotin helps to keep your hair, skin, eyes, liver, nervous system healthy. What’s more, biotin is also crucial during pregnancy as it plays an important role in embryonic growth. In fact, the word ‘biotin’ actually comes from the Ancient Greek term ‘biotos’, meaning ‘life’ or ‘sustenance’.

Sources of biotin

Biotin is naturally found in small quantities in foods such as eggs, nuts, soybeans, whole grains, cauliflower, bananas, and mushrooms. Many food-processing techniques, such as cooking, can make biotin ineffective, so raw or less- processed versions of these foods contain higher levels of biotin.

It’s possible to get the recommended amount of biotin from eating a healthy, balanced diet.

However,an increased biotin intake has also been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, promote healthy hair, skin, and nails, and promote a healthy pregnancy.

With this in mind, biotin is often found in hair growth supplements that have been developed to nourish thinning hair whilst promoting healthy hair growth.

Biotin deficiency

The recommended daily allowance of biotin is between 30mcg and 100mcg per day. Because biotin is found in so many of our food sources, it’s relatively unusual to have a deficiency in it. One symptom of a biotin deficiency is the thinning or discolouration of the hair.

How does Biotin help hair growth?

Biotin has been proven to help hair growth – but how does it work?

Well, your hair is made from a type of protein known as keratin. Proteins, such as keratin, are made up of amino acids. The presence of keratin together with biotin is necessary to ensure healthy hair structure.The biotin in your body therefore contributes to the production of healthy hair and nails, providing an essential ingredient for the hair growth process.

Many people now choose to supplement their natural biotin intake with hair supplements containing biotin. Providing an extra dose of this essential vitamin, these supplements can help your hair look and feel thicker, fuller, and healthier than ever!