Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin, also called vitamin B7 and formerly known as vitamin H or coenzyme R. Biotin is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. Biotin assists in various metabolic reactions involving the transfer of carbon dioxide. It may also be helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level. Biotin is often recommended as a dietary supplement for strengthening hair and nails.
Benefits of Biotin:
- Helps strengthen soft and brittle nails reducing breaking and splitting
- Maintains healthy hair and skin
- Plays a role in the metabolism of some amino acids, cholesterol and some fatty acid
Deficiency symptoms include:
- Brittle and thin fingernails
- Hair loss
- Conjunctivitis
- Dermatitis in the form of a scaly, red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area.
- Neurological symptoms in adults, such as depression, lethargy, hallucination, and numbness and tingling of the extremities
Food source of Biotin includes: egg yolk, organ meat (liver, kidney), nuts, soybeans and other legumes, whole grains and cereals, cauliflower, bananas and mushrooms.
