Vitamins have many benefits, including strengthening our immune systems and supporting hair and scalp health.
One of these vitamins, biotin, is the only B vitamin that the human body produces. Also referred to as vitamin B7 or vitamin H,, biotin plays several physiological roles in the body, such as breaking down fats and regulating blood sugar. In addition to other science-backed ingredients, this vitamin is included in several of our products because it may support healthy circulation in the scalp as well as hair thickness and existing hair growth. Learn more about biotin and its benefits below!
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. In addition to contributing to skin, hair and nail health, Biotin can help support the regulation of blood sugar levels and functions of the immune and nervous system. Because of its water-soluble property, the body doesn’t store biotin so the foods in one’s diet or one’s supplement regimen need to include this nutrient. Fortunately, many of the foods that contain biotin are often used in breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes!
Salmon, avocado and sweet potato are all sources of biotin and versatile and complementary culinary companions. Cooked eggs, specifically their yolks, are another great source of biotin. Incorporate one or more of these foods into your meal planning as a delicious way to support your intake of biotin and other important vitamins for hair growth!
How does Biotin Support a Healthy Environment for Hair Growth?
Biotin supports the synthesis of keratin in the body, and keratin is the main component of the hair fiber. Consequently, biotin helps ensure hair growth and strength. In addition to keratin, biotin generally aids in the metabolism of amino acids. Amino acids contribute to hair strength and contribute to mitigating the potential for frizz and breakage.
Although hair and scalp health can be impacted by a number of factors, including iron deficiency, aging, oxidative stress, and other conditions, biotin along with other nutrients may help lessen symptoms associated with assorted health concerns. From the hair strand itself to the layers of the scalp, biotin contributes to nourishing a healthy environment for hair growth. Additionally, combining a balanced diet that includes biotin and other important nutrients with other strategies for strengthening hair may better promote healthy, happy hair.
What may cause a Biotin Deficiency that Potentially Leads to Hair Loss?
Biotin deficiencies have been linked to thinning hair, scaly skin rashes and brittle nails. Most people eat enough biotin that such deficiencies are typically rare. However, congenital conditions or one of the factors below may contribute to a lack of biotin and result in hair concerns.
There are many potential causes of hair loss and a huge range of options that may help treat each possible cause or its associated symptoms. It is worth noting that hair loss can occur due to several factors at once.
Anticonvulsant Medications
People who suffer from seizures may struggle with a biotin deficiency. The reason for this association is that anticonvulsant medications, like carbamazepine or primidone, deplete vital nutrients, including biotin.
High Alcohol Intake
Chronic alcohol consumption can inhibit your intestinal absorption of biotin, which might result in a deficiency. There is a link between excessive consumption of alcohol and malnutrition, which often includes a deficiency in vitamins such as biotin.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women often have a biotin deficiency that affects their hair and nail health. Cell division is required for the rapid growth of the fetus and can deplete the pregnant mother's biotin stores.
Acne Treatments
Dermatologists often prescribe isotretinoin as a treatment for acne nodules and cysts. However, isotretinoin impacts biotinidase production, which may cause a deficiency. Isotretinoin, then, and this related deficiency may trigger symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis and alopecia.
Antibiotics and Gut Flora
Your body cannot synthesize biotin by itself. Instead, you have bacteria in your gut that contributes to biotin production. However, if you have been taking antibiotics for a long time, the activity of your gut flora may be compromised, potentially leading to a biotin deficiency and associated hair loss.
Ketogenic Diet (Keto Diet)
Individuals following the keto diet risk going into a state of ketosis, which means the body uses fat, not carbs, as a fuel source. Ketosis leads to a variety of hair concerns due to a deficiency of biotin and other nutrients in your body. When you follow the keto diet, the biotin bioavailability increases, and your body consumes more biotin to produce energy via gluconeogenesis and amino acid metabolism. The result is a biotin deficiency.
Are There Any Risks to Using Biotin?
Accessing biotin through food sources or through supplements is unlikely to cause any risks or side effects. However, as noted with anticonvulsants, biotin supplements may pose an issue, so be sure to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to avoid any interaction between this prescription or any other current medications or health conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing may also want to consult with a physician to ensure that they are getting enough biotin.
Biotin is one of the many science-backed ingredients that we at Divi have incorporated into our products. If you are looking for a supplement to support hair and whole body health, Divi’s Hair Vitamins may promote overall hair and scalp health and may aid individuals who are experiencing hair loss or thinning and dull or fragile hair associated with a variety of hair concerns. Nourish your hair and scalp from the inside out and the outside in with our Healthy Hair Bundle where biotin is included with other helpful nutrients in both our Hair Vitamins and our Scalp Serum.
