Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Vitamin B7 (Biotin), also known as vitamin H, is water soluble and actually a coenzyme, as opposed to a ‘vitamin’ per se.
It is required for many bodily functions.
Interestingly, some have found biotin helpful for preventing hair from turning gray.
Why do you need Vitamin B7 or H (Biotin)?
Biotin is vital for:
- Synthesis of fatty acids
- Aids in fat metabolism
- Aids in carbohydrate metabolism
- Aids in maintaining proper blood glucose levels
- Aids in amino acid metabolism
- Necessary for healthy skin and hair
- Cell growth
- Helps to transfer carbon dioxide
Conditions Related to Biotin Deficiency
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Seborrheic dermatitis (infants)
- Desquamative erythroderma (infants)
- Alcoholism
- Balding
- Brittle nails
Dosages
Biotin can be found in health food stores, vitamin stores and online. Additionally, this vitamin/enzyme has been developed into a pharmaceutical drug by the medical profession for skin and nail related conditions. These “drugs” are known as:
- Appearex
- Meribin
- Nail-ex
The prescription version of Biotin was developed with the purpose of making available a pharmaceutical grade potency supplement since vitamins are not regulated and thus there is no assurance of the potency. Many vitamin companies now have a 3rd part assay to certify the contents of a supplement. Supplements from GMP Certified Companies are extremely effective and a fraction of the cost of pharmaceutical grade.
The dosage for biotin ranges from as low as 300 mcg to as high as 5 mg – 50 mg.
Toxicity
As a water-soluble vitamin/enzyme, biotin has no known side effects even at high dosages. Any excess that your body does not need will be excreted.