If you are worried about hair and skin health, you must have heard about ' Biotin ' at least once. It is an ingredient known to be especially helpful for those suffering from hair loss . Biotin is a type of water-soluble vitamin that contains sulfur, and is also called vitamin H after the initial letter of 'Harr und Haut', which means hair and skin in German.
However, the functional contents of biotin recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety are not hair or skin-related functions, but 'necessary for fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism and energy generation'. So, why is biotin known to be beneficial for hair and skin health? Let's take a look at the benefits of biotin through a study reported in the academic world today.
1. Improve hair health
Keratin is the basic protein component of hair, skin and nails. Biotin helps the synthesis of keratin and contributes to hair growth and strengthening of hair tissue . However, long-term use of medications such as antibiotics and acne medications can lead to biotin deficiency. At this time, due to biotin deficiency, hair loss and nail disease are caused .
In this regard , a paper published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2021 reported that the growth rate of hair increased when biotin was supplemented to subjects who had biotin deficiency due to drugs .
" Biotin (10 mg per day) administered together with isotretinoin (acne treatment) treatment reduced telogen, increased hair growth rate, and helped maintain skin moisture. "
Reference paper : Aksac, SE, Bilgili, S.G., Yavuz, GO, Yavuz, I.H., Aksac, M., & Karadag, AS (2021). Evaluation of biophysical skin parameters and hair changes in patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin, and the effect of biotin use on these parameters. International journal of dermatology , 60 (8), 980–985.
2. Improvement of skin diseases
Biotin is a coenzyme for acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which is involved in fatty acid synthesis. Thus , when biotin is deficient, skin rashes and dermatitis can occur due to lack of fat needed for the skin .
In this regard, a paper published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2018 introduces the effect of ingesting 4-5 mg of biotin to pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis with biotin deficiency.
“In children with biotin deficiency and atopic dermatitis, oral intake of biotin improved dryness and itching. ”
Reference paper : Lipner SR (2018). Rethinking biotin therapy for hair, nail, and skin disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 78 (6), 1236–1238.
3. Reduce fasting blood sugar
Biotin helps with hair and skin health as well as regulating blood sugar levels. Biotin enhances the activity of pyruvate carboxylase, which is involved in the process of gluconeogenesis. The glucose produced at this time moves along the bloodstream to tissues that are involved in blood sugar control or use glucose as a major energy source. In addition, biotin promotes the use of glucose for entry into the tricarboxylic acid cycle, an important metabolic cycle for energy production . Therefore , when taking biotin, it can improve abnormal glucose metabolism .
Already in 1993, a paper was published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, which showed that fasting blood sugar levels were reduced when diabetic subjects took biotin .
" Fasting blood glucose levels fell to normal within two months and remained within the normal range thereafter. "
Reference Paper: Masaru MAEBASHI, Yoshio MAKINO, Yuji FURUKAWA, Kosaku OHINATA, Shuichi KIMURA, Takao SATO, Therapeutic Evaluation of the Effect of Biotin on Hyperglycemia in Patients with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 1993, Volume 14, Issue 3, Pages 211-218.
Today, we looked at the benefits of taking biotin. While it's true that biotin plays a very important role in hair and skin health, don't think of it as a cure for hair loss. If you suspect hair loss, it is recommended that you receive appropriate treatment through a professional diagnosis.
I hope you have a healthy day in body and mind. It was Jinny.
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