Everyone wants hair that is long, thick, and full of life, like Rapunzel’s. Many people think having a full head of healthy hair makes you look beautiful and young. Getting this ideal hair can be challenging for many, though, because genetics, worry, environmental damage, and insufficient nutrients can all damage hair. People often suggest biotin vitamins to help hair grow and get stronger. But does biotin live up to all the fuss? Let us explore how to use biotin for hair growth and see if it’s a good option for everyone.
What is Biotin?
Biotin, also called vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that helps the body do many things, mostly turning food into energy. It is necessary for breaking down carbs, fats, and proteins, which are all good for your health. Egg yolks, nuts, seeds, legumes, and sweet potatoes contain biotin. Also, bacteria in the huge stomachs generate biotin, so many individuals receive enough from food and the gut.
Even though biotin is abundant in food, some people may not get enough due to their health or lifestyle, prompting them to take a vitamin. The role of biotin for hair growth is one of the most talked-about benefits of this vitamin, and there are many products on the market that claim to improve hair health.
How Does Biotin Help Hair Grow?
Most use biotin supplements to develop hair quicker. Many hair products promise to improve and halt hair loss. Biotin may increase hair cell keratin structure, resulting in greater hair growth. Therefore, biotin for hair benefits is a main ingredient in a lot of shampoos and hair products.
However, there isn’t much research evidence to show that biotin for hair growth. Based on most studies, biotin may only be helpful when there is a shortage. It’s not likely that taking extra biotin will make your hair grow faster or thicker if your biotin levels are already normal. When treating biotin for hair loss brought on by a deficit, the real benefits for the hair are more substantial.
Biotin Deficiency and Hair Loss
Biotin foods for hair growth are rare in wealthier countries. Hair loss and thinning are just a few signs that can happen when you don’t get enough biotin. Hair loss, which can occur on both the head and body, is one of the most obvious signs of not getting enough biotin. Hence supplements of biotin for hair loss can be a good idea if the hair loss is happening due to the deficiency of vitamin B7.
Biotin deficiency can also cause nails to break easily, rashes to become scaly, skin to be dry, and brain problems like sadness and tiredness. If not treated, biotin deficiency can get worse and cause seizures and problems in baby growth.
Who Risks Biotin Deficiency?
Biotin shortage is more likely to happen to people with certain medical conditions or who live in ways that make it harder for their bodies to absorb or make biotin. Some of these are:
- People who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two conditions that can make it hard to absorb nutrients, including biotin.
- Chronic Alcohol Use: Drinking too much alcohol can make you lose track of your food and eat biotin.
- Bariatric Surgery Patients: Surgical weight loss plans that skip parts of the digestive system can make it harder for the body to absorb biotin.
- Raw Egg White Consumption: A protein in raw egg whites called avidin binds to biotin and stops the body from absorbing it.
The above factors can help you figure out what’s wrong and suggest the best way to treat it, which could include supplements of biotin for hair growth if a deficiency is present.
Biotin Supplement Side Effects
Best biotin supplement is usually well-accepted, and they don’t cause side effects. However, gastrointestinal issues like nausea or cramping might occur. Lab testing for thyroid function or other health concerns may be erroneous if biotin levels are high. Tell your doctor if you use biotin supplements before any medical testing.
Key Takeaway
Biotin for hair growth is an essential nutrient that holds many benefits not only for hair but also for skin and nails health. If you are losing your hair, you should see a doctor immediately to find out what else is causing it. Taking supplements may be very helpful in fixing hair health problems caused by biotin shortage. Focusing on a healthy diet, good hair care habits, and general health is likely to be more successful for people who don’t have a deficiency in this area.
