Biotin is a water soluble vitamin that is part of the b-complex vitamin family and is commonly referred to as vitamin B7, vitamin H or coenzyme R. Biotin plays a very important role in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, branched chain amino acids, and cholesterol.

Contents

What is Biotin?

Biotin is actually also known as vitamin H, and is a B complex vitamin that the human body uses to help generate energy on a daily basis. The word Biotin for example, is actually derived from the ancient Greek word ‘biotos’ which translates to ‘sustenance’ or ‘life’. As you can probably expect then, biotin is considered a very healthy and beneficial everyday health supplement, as it provides a whole host of health and wellness benefits, which we’ll be taking a better look at in just a moment. B vitamins in general, are considered essential for healthy eyes, skin, hair, nervous systems, and internal organs, but Biotin especially, has proven particularly useful and beneficial. For women, Biotin is especially useful and is considered essential in some circles, due to the fact that it is vital for embryonic growth.

Biotin is found in many foods with high concentrations in egg yolks, liver, and yeast.

How does it work?

In terms of how Biotin works, this B complex vitamin is an essential vitamin that is water soluble, which means that the body cannot produce it naturally, and in order for it to digest and absorb it, it has to first break it down in water. When we consume this supplement, it actually attaches itself to various enzymes, and becomes active. This process is known as biotinylation and it is so important because these various enzymes are essential for the production of fatty acids within the human body. As if that wasn’t all, they also encourage the body to produce glucose from nutrients other than carbohydrates, such as fats or proteins, which basically allows you to get nutrition and energy from whatever it is that you have consumed. This is ideal because it helps ramp up the metabolism, and helps ensure that you’re getting enough energy from the foods that you’re consuming. It can also help to stimulate the production of insulin, which in turn can help to regulate and stabilize blood sugars. Biotin however, is also great for the central nervous system, due to the fact that, in nerve cells, it can stimulate the production of microscopic microtubules, which are essential for the correct functioning of a healthy cell.

What are the main benefits of Biotin?

There are many benefits associated with taking biotin, so here’s a more direct look at some of the most prominent examples:

Stable blood sugar levels

As mentioned, biotin has been found to help stimulate the production and secretion of insulin via the pancreas, which in turn can help to regulate and stabilize blood sugar levels. This is important as not only could it help to prevent diabetes, it could also actually help to treat and manage the condition as well.

Increased energy levels

Another great benefit of this supplement, is the fact that it helps to convert macronutrients into glucose, which the body then uses for energy. What’s more, it allows the body to convert non-carbohydrate sources into glucose, making it extremely useful indeed.

Promotes healthy skin, hair and vision

Another reason why Biotin is proving to be such a popular supplement, is down to the fact that it has been found to help promote healthy skin, hair, and vision. Because of this, it is considered a great supplement to take to help battle the signs and symptoms of aging, as well as for all around health and well-being.

Other benefits include:

• Helps to support nutrition
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Supports the immune system
• Helps promote an increase in energy
• Can assist with weight loss
• Boosts the immune system
• Improves skin, hair, eye, and nail health
• Vital for embryonic growth
• Essential for the growth and development of health cells
• And more...

How and when it should be taken

Health Canada Recommended Dose (capsules): Adults: 1 Capsule(s) 1 time(s) per day.

Biotin VS B12

Although Biotin is considered a B complex vitamin, it is still very different to vitamin B12, and as a result, it is important to know the main differences between the two. Vitamin B12 for example, is considered a vitamin that is essential for the growth and development of tissues, whereas biotin is a co-factor in numerous other metabolic processes. Biotin provides many of the benefits that B12 does, along with many more of its own. Experts recommend consuming Biotin with B12 in order to get the most benefits from both of these supplements.

What can you stack it with?

As mentioned, experts recommend stacking biotin with vitamin B12, and indeed various other B-Complex vitamins, in order to gain the most benefits. Biotin for anti-aging purposes for example, stacks very well with essential omega 3 fatty acids, whereas for general health and nutritional support purposes, biotin stacks very well with a multi-vitamin.

Biotin Ingredients

Per Capsule

Medicinal Ingredients (per capsule): Biotin .......................... 500 Micrograms
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Gelatin, Brown rice flour.

Potential side effects

Biotin is actually considered to be one of the healthiest and safest supplements currently on the market, and truthfully, there are virtually no side effects to be wary of, providing you consume the recommended dosage of course. Again, always consult your doctor before using any new health supplement, and if any side effects do occur, stop using it immediately. 

Warnings

Caution: Not intended for children, pregnant, or breastfeeding women. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you have health conditions. Store in a cool dry place away from children. Do not use if seal is broken.

Allergen warnings

Allergy Statement: This product is made in a facility that handles milk products, gluten, shellfish, soy, peanuts and other tree nuts.

Disclaimer: The above description does not constitute medical advice and is for informational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Health Canada, CFIA, or FDA. Please consult a properly licensed medical professional before consuming nutritional supplements. This product is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease.