Benefits and Side Effects of Biotin

Biotin, also known as Vitamin H or B7, is a water soluble B-complex vitamin, which is necessary for cell growth and production of fatty acids in living organisms. The word biotin is derived from Greek word 'bios' meaning life. A research, in 1940s, revealed that biotin supplement helped in strengthening the hooves of horses and pigs.

Biotin deficiency is a very rare phenomena as it is produced in excess by the intestinal bacteria for several bodily processes. Other than this, biotin is also present in our daily food like liver, cauliflower, salmon, carrots, banana, soy flour and yeast.

Benefits of Biotin
Biotin is a necessary vitamin for our health and the growth of our body. It plays a vital role in converting fatty acids and glucose into fuel to produce energy. It also helps to metabolize amino acids and carbohydrates to produce certain enzymes. Creation of glycogen can also be attributed to the presence of biotin in the human body. It's useful in alleviating muscle pain and preventing exhaustion. Biotin is essential in formation of nucleic acids, RNA and DNA.

Biotin helps the sweat glands, nerve tissues and bone marrow remain healthy and work efficiently. It also helps in treating acne and eczema. Hair and nails are strengthened due to the presence of biotin, in right amount, in a body. Very often biotin supplements are recommended to tackle problems like hair loss. People suffering from type 2 diabetes are, very often, found to have low levels of biotin. Studies have suggested that biotin can help to keep diabetes in check by improving blood glucose.

Including biotin in diet can prove effective for the treatment of a skin disorder in adults, known as Seborrhoeic dermatitis and skin disorder in infants, known as cradle cap.

Biotin Side Effects
Although researchers have not yet been able to provide any concrete proof about side effects of biotin, it is being assumed that this vitamin has some minor side effects.

In one case, it was noticed that high intake of vitamin B7 and vitamin B5 lead to a life-threatening condition called eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion. It was assumed that, consuming both vitamins together leads to this condition.

Another test was conducted on a pregnant rat wherein it was given high doses of Vitamin B7. Later, it was observed that the placenta of the fetal rats decreased in size which, automatically, increased the probability of miscarriage.

Although, it's a very beneficial vitamin, intake of biotin should also be kept in check. Basically anything that is taken in excess is bound to affect your body in some way or the other. A daily adequate intake (AI) of biotin, for different age groups, is recommended by U.S. Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine. Especially during biotin deficiency the intake should be strictly under medical supervision.