Biotin is one of the water soluble B group vitamins. It is sometimes called vitamin H or vitamin B7. Biotin has various essential roles in the body, as a coenzyme in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, for cellular growth and function, essential fatty acid conversion and regulating gene expression in blood sugar function.

Hair, skin and nails all require biotin for good health.

Biotin Benefits

Biotin is an essential nutrient in both preventing and treating diabetes. It can also help reduce high blood cholesterol levels.

In general it is rare for a biotin deficiency to occur, unless dietary intake is severely compromised or there is a genetic cause. An exception to this is in pregnant women, as recent studies show marginal biotin deficiency develops in a significant proportion of normal pregnancies. For this reason a B complex supplement containing biotin is recommended during pregnancy. Cradle cap in infants can result from biotin deficiency and may be alleviated by the breastfeeding mother taking a B complex supplement. Biotin may also help hair loss or brittle nails in cases where it is caused by a biotin deficiency.

Biotin Side Effects and Contraindications

Biotin should always be taken in conjunction with a B complex supplement, as all the B group vitamins need to be present in the correct ratio for optimal effect.