Description
Deficiency Can Prevent the Many Biotin Benefits
A vitamin B7 biotin deficiency is used to be rare in nations where people generally consume enough calories and food in general.
Biotin is water-soluble, which means it travels in the bloodstream and any excess or unused quantities present in the body are eliminated through urine. Therefore, the body doesn’t build up reserves of biotin.
This means that you must ideally ingest small amounts of vitamin B7 almost daily to keep your body’s supply high enough.
People who are at an increased risk for vitamin B7 biotin deficiency include those with the following:
- long-term use of certain anti-seizure medications
- prolonged antibiotic use
- intestinal malabsorption issues or serious digestive disorders like Chron’s disease, celiac disease, or leaky gut syndrome
Although a biotin deficiency is rare, when it does occur symptoms can include:
- dry irritated skin
- brittle hair or hair loss
- lack or energy or chronic fatigue
- digestive and intestinal tract issues
- muscle aches and pains
- nerve damage
- mood changes
- cramps
- tingling in the limbs
- cognitive impairments
Daily Recommended Values of Biotin (Vitamin B7)
According to the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine, the daily recommended value of biotin is:
- 12 milligrams for male and female adults over 19
- 36 milligrams for pregnant women and 40 milligrams for women who are breastfeeding
Health Benefits of Biotin (Vitamin B7)
1. Supports a Healthy Metabolism
Vitamin B7 biotin regulates critical gene expressions necessary for performing metabolic functions. Alongside other B vitamins, Vitamin B7 plays a pivotal role in converting the food you consume into usable energy, thereby supporting a robust metabolism. This is achieved through several mechanisms: transforming glucose from carbohydrates and sugar sources into preferred energy “fuel” for the body, aiding in the utilization of amino acids from proteins for various bodily functions, and activating fatty acids derived from fats found in oils or animal products.
Only when the body can effectively utilize macronutrients from food for energy does regular, healthy metabolic activity occur. Vitamin B7 biotin also enhances the metabolism and the efficient use of glucose, which holds great significance in a society where cases of type 2 diabetes are widespread.
Inadequate levels of vitamin B7 in the body can lead to symptoms associated with a sluggish metabolism, such as low energy levels, fatigue, weight gain, digestive issues, potential development of diabetes, alterations in appetite, mood fluctuations, and more.
2. Improves Glucose Intolerance and Help Balance Blood Sugar
Vitamin B7 biotin, especially when combined with chromium, effectively reduces blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. This holds particularly true for those whose blood glucose levels are inadequately managed by prescription medications.
The benefits of Vitamin B7 for blood glucose stem from its facilitation of insulin activity—a crucial hormone necessary to restore blood sugar equilibrium. Enhanced insulin response mitigates the risk of erratic blood sugar fluctuations, which can lead to conditions like pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and various forms of metabolic syndrome.
Additionally, Vitamin B7 biotin diminishes the expression of enzymes that stimulate liver-produced glucose, thus limiting the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Consequently, deficiency in Vitamin B7 is linked to impaired glucose tolerance and reduced glucose utilization, both of which are diabetes risk factors. Furthermore, Vitamin B7 can alleviate symptoms associated with existing diabetes cases, including nerve pain.
3. Maintains Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails
Vitamin B7 is indispensable for preserving the health of skin, hair, and nails. When a deficiency in Vitamin B7 arises, it can manifest as thinning, splitting, and brittle hair, as well as dermatitis resulting in dry and irritated skin. Notably, biotin is a common ingredient in cosmetic face creams, hair masks, and over-the-counter beauty products, but its efficacy is significantly enhanced when consumed internally.
Studies indicate that consuming high doses of biotin can effectively address weak hair and nails. Interestingly, this discovery initially emerged from the successful treatment of horses with biotin to rectify issues related to brittle and cracked hoofs.
Moreover, Vitamin B7 biotin offers protection against acne, fungal infections, rashes, and severe dryness and cracking of the skin.
4. Protects Brain Function and Fights Cognitive Decline
Vitamin B7 contributes to nervous system health by aiding in nerve signaling and neurotransmitter activity. Collectively, B vitamins exert influence over memory function and serve as a defense against age-related cognitive decline, including neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Due to their involvement in synthesizing mood-regulating hormones, B vitamins like Vitamin B7 play a role in maintaining a positive mindset, boosting energy levels, and enhancing concentration.
5. Helps Maintain a Healthy Cardiovascular System
B vitamins, including Vitamin B7, play a pivotal role in safeguarding against prevalent causes of heart disease, encompassing inflammation, atherosclerosis (accumulation of arterial plaque), heart attacks, and strokes.
Notably, Vitamin B7 in conjunction with chromium has been shown in studies to enhance cholesterol levels. Vitamin B7 demonstrates positive outcomes by elevating “good” HDL cholesterol levels while simultaneously reducing levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. This effect is particularly notable among individuals with diabetes, who are more susceptible to heart disease.
6. Supports Thyroid and Adrenal Function
B vitamins, such as Vitamin B7 biotin, are essential for optimal thyroid activity and resilience against adrenal fatigue. The thyroid gland and adrenal glands hold the status of “master” glands, governing various bodily states including hunger, sleep, pain perception, mood, and energy levels.
Insufficient B vitamin levels can lead to complications in thyroid and adrenal function, resulting in an array of adverse symptoms, including fatigue, weight fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and more.
7. Needed to Build and Repair Tissues and Muscles
Vitamin B7 contributes to the growth and maintenance of bodily tissues, serving a crucial role in repairing and building muscles. When tissues or muscles undergo breakdown, B vitamins like Vitamin B7 biotin facilitate the restoration of muscle and tissue strength, ultimately promoting growth.
Additionally, B vitamins aid in reducing inflammation, which can otherwise cause muscle or joint discomfort, aches, or restricted movement. Importantly, deficiency in Vitamin B7 and other B vitamins can impede growth and hinder proper development in fetuses and infants. This underscores the significance of obtaining sufficient Vitamin B7 biotin and other B vitamins, particularly during pregnancy.
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