INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Common Name/Scientific Name:
What is it used for?
How does it work?
What are some side effects?
Are there any trials that support its use/non-use (efficacy)? Provide details.
Additional Considerations (Can include known drug interactions, special directions, etc.)
Vitamin B7, commonly known as biotin, is a supplement that aids in converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. This water-soluble vitamin is a cofactor for five carboxylases: propionyl-CoA carboxylase, pyruvate carboxylase, methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2. These carboxylases catalyze the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. The amount of biotin needed is based on age. For adults like myself, 30 mcg is the average daily recommended amount. Biotin can be found in our everyday foods such as meat (primarily organ meats), fish, eggs, seeds, nuts, and even vegetables like spinach and broccoli. For people unable to meet the recommended amount through their diet, dietary supplements are available to fulfill this requirement. Those with alcohol dependence and who are pregnant or breastfeeding are more likely to be low on biotin. The importance of getting enough biotin is due to its symptomatic effects. Biotin deficiency may cause hair thinning, hair loss, brittle nails, weakness, and increased susceptibility to skin infections and damage. There is no significant harm in receiving biotin above the recommended limit. The only thing to keep in mind is the potential of creating false lab readings.
Many supplements contain combinations of B-complex vitamins, as do many multivitamins. The exact amount of intake is reported on the back label of products and should be examined. Many products are advertised as “hair, skin, and nail” supplements to attract certain demographics. Unfortunately, these products are not FDA-approved. Users may notice on the product it states, “Produced in an FDA-approved facility”. This does not correlate to the products being efficient. Many articles have been written to support the use of biotin supplements and showcase their efficacy. However, no trials have been conducted showing successful cases of preventative hair loss or strengthened nails, etc.
In 2019, the FDA issued a follow-up statement regarding biotin’s interference in test results. No other statements have been produced. It has newly been discovered that excess biotin levels may result in incorrect troponin levels. The FDA has been involved with manufacturers to mitigate these issues. However, such faulty values are seen in biotin levels nearly 600 times the recommended dietary allowance (RDA).
Although the exact mechanism of biotin has not been formally established, many hypotheses suggest its role in the Kreb Cycle assists in skin benefits. The formation of fatty acids is what nourishes the skin. Biotin takes part in various metabolic chemical conversions, which is primarily where its role comes from. Biotin is a key component in a healthy diet to maintain one’s skin and health.
References
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-313/biotin
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20water%2Dsoluble,and%20the%20activity%20of%20genes.%20%5B