Taking skincare supplements is becoming a trend all over the internet. Especially the biotin supplements that claim to give you healthy skin, hair, and those super shiny doll eyes. But do you need to take one? Come, let us figure it out!
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is synthesized in our own body in the gut. Also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7, biotin is a water-soluble protein that the body requires in minimal quantities. But unlike its small requirement for the body, it has numerous benefits for us.
Process nutrients:
Biotin plays a significant role in synthesizing the nutrients we intake into energy, especially proteins.
Improves metabolism:
It also improves metabolism by processing carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, thus keeping you healthy.
Regulates blood sugar levels:
Since biotin plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients, it can regulate blood sugar levels, thus keeping you away from type 2 diabetes
Healthy hair, skin, and nails:
Of course, how can we forget about your skin and hair? Biotin helps build keratin, which is one of the key factors in promoting healthy hair and nails. Also, since biotin processes carbs and fats, it can give you a healthy glow to your skin.
But what if your body is biotin deficient?
Biotin deficiency is a rare condition in individuals. Because our body needs only a small amount of biotin to fortify the needs of our body, people hardly face biotin deficiency. However, biotin deficiency arises due to one of the following reasons:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking and
- Chronic health conditions.
Also, it is common for pregnant women to become biotin deficient. That is why most doctors prescribe a biotin supplement to be consumed daily along with the other medications.
Symptoms of biotin deficiency:
Here are the symptoms that first arise if you have a biotin deficiency:
- Thinning of hair
- Red and scaly rashes on the skin
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
If the symptoms are not taken properly, then biotin deficiency may lead to severe complications such as conjunctivitis. If not treated, conjunctivitis can also lead to loss of eyesight.
So how do we prevent biotin deficiency?
Meet the daily requirements:
Adults require around 30-100 mg (microgram) of biotin daily. And this biotin requirement can be fortified by consuming a balanced diet daily. This is enough for you to get glowing skin.
Biotin-rich foods:
Numerous food items contain biotins, such as bananas, cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach, egg yolk, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Do we need to take biotin supplements?
No. we don't need to take biotin supplements since our biotin needs can be satisfied through a balanced diet. However, a person with special conditions who can’t get enough biotin through food can take biotin supplements suggested by a certified physician.
Takeaway!
That said, a huge population still takes biotin supplements because so-called beauty influencers say it. Even if there are no toxic after-maths of biotin supplements, over-consumption of biotin supplements can cause stomach issues. So we insist you consult a doctor before you hop on the trend of taking biotin supplements.