Description
Biotin is part of the B-complex vitamins and aids in the B vitamin utilization. This water-soluble nutrient assists with cell growth and the production of fatty acids. It is manufactured in the intestines by bacterial flora and helps synthesize amino acids, metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and release energy from foods. Biotin promotes healthy hair and skin and helps to prevent hair from turning gray.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Biotin can prevent or alleviate muscular pain, eczema and dermatitis, particularly seborrheic dermatitis -- condition of excessive oiliness, yellowish scales or patches, and dandruff, also known as cradle cap in infants.
This nutrient is useful in diabetes, high blood sugar, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, and hair loss. Biotin may prevent baldness.
Source
Ideal sources of biotin include brewer's yeast, egg yolks, fish, legumes, lentils, milk, meat, poultry, saltwater soy beans, and whole grains.
Optimal Absorption
If supplementing, take biotin via a B-Complex vitamin or in isolated capsule or liquid form for optimal absorption.
A number of substances can destroy or limit the absorption of biotin. Raw egg whites contain avidin and this protein prevents biotin absorption. Alcohol, antibiotics, estrogen, food processing methods, sulfa drugs, and tap water may decrease biotin levels.
The following is a list of United States 1997-1998 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI): Adequate Intakes (AI) for nutritional biotin intake and are included as a guideline only. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for a dosage appropriate for your needs. Children under 6 years of age should be under the supervision of the above mentioned specialists if directly supplementing with biotin.
0 - 5 months, 5mcg 6 - 11 months, 6mcg 9 - 13, 20mcg 14 - 18, 25mcg 19 - 30, 30mcg 31 - 50, 30mcg 51 - 70, 30mcg > 70, 30mcg 9 - 13, 20mcg 14 - 18, 25mcg 19 - 30, 30mcg 31 - 50, 30mcg 51 - 70, 30mcg > 70, 30mcg
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Before supplementing with biotin, consult with your nutritionist, naturopath or other health practitioner.
No known toxicity.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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