Biotin

Please note the following referenced scientific research is for informational use only. The results reported below may not necessarily occur in all our customers. The information should not replace advice from your health care practitioner. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific product.

Biotin, a water soluble vitamin, is an essential cofactor to enzymes in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose and amino acids and plays a key role in gene expression and cell signalling. Also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, we only need a small amount of it daily, in which we can get through a balanced diet. Additionally, biotin plays a role in gene expression and cell signalling.

Immune System

  • Studies have shown that biotin deficiency impacts the functions of immune cells (Agrawal et al. 2016). 

  • A deficiency may enhance the inflammatory response (Agrawal et al. 2016).

Hair Health

  • Biotin is involved in the production of keratin, a structural protein that makes up the hair (Patel et al. 2017). 

  • Studies suggest the use of biotin supplementation to improve hair health and growth (Patel et al. 2017). 

  • Signs of biotin deficiency is hair loss (Linus Pauling 2020).

Nail Health

  • Biotin assists with nail plate thickness and reduced nail splitting, support strong and healthy nails (Thorne Research 2007).

  • Biotin appears to improve brittle nails (Thorne Research 2007).

Skin Health

  • Biotin plays a key role in enzymes for fatty acid synthesis (Zempleni et al. 2009). Skin cells depend on fatty acids to help produce the skin's natural oil barrier, providing protection from the sun and environmental toxins.

  • A study supports individuals who used more than 100mcg of biotin per day had dramatic improvements in rash and dermatitis skin problems (Mock et al. 1985).

References

  • Braun, L., and Cohen, Marc. 2015. Herbs & Natural Supplements An Evidence-based guide Volume 2. 4th ed. Australia: Elsevier.

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). 2019. “Health Information Biotin.” https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/

  • Linus Pauling Institute - Micronutrient Information. 2019. Biotin. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/biotin

  • Agrawal, S., Agrawal, A. Said, HM. 2016. “Biotin deficiency enhances the inflammatory response of human dendritic cells.” American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology, 311. 3 (Sep): 386-39. 10.1152/ajpcell.00141.2016 

  • Thorne Research. 2007. “Biotin”. Alternative Medicine Review, 12. 1: 73-78. http://www.altmedrev.com/archive/publications/12/1/73.pdf 

  • Patel, DP., Swink, SM., Castelo-Soccio, L. 2017. “A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss”. Skin Appendage Disorders, 3. 3 (Aug): 166-169. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/ 

  • Mock, DM., Baswell, DL., Baker, H., Holman, RT., Sweetman, L. 1985. “Biotin deficiency parenteral alimentation: Diagnosis, metabolic repercussions and treatment.” The Journal of Pediatrics, 106: 762-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3923177

  • Zempleni, J., Wijeratne, SSK., Hassan, YI. 2009. “Biotin”. BioFactors, 35. 1 (Jan): 36-46. doi:10.1002/biof.8