Biotin is probably the most well-known over-the-counter (OTC) supplement for beauty needs. Biotin is part of the B complex that helps our bodies convert food into energy and metabolize fats and proteins. If you don’t get enough biotin, you may see thinning of hair, scaly skin, and brittle nails. Research shows that biotin (also known as vitamin B7) is a key hair vitamin. As well as contributing to normal hair and skin, biotin also contributes to normal metabolism functioning. Carefully chosen to work together, zinc complements biotin as it also contributes to normal hair and skin. This essential mineral also contributes to the normal function of the immune system, metabolism and healthy nails. Formulated for hair, skin and nails Zinc is an essential trace element, which means that the body cannot generate it on its own; it must be supplied through the diet. The main dietary sources of zinc are fish and meat. Zinc deficiency can occur in patients consuming large amounts of cereal grain (which contains a phytate considered to be chelating agent of zinc), in those with poor meat consumption or TPN, and in infants on milk formula. Other causes of zinc deficiency include anorexia nervosa (secondary to inadequate intake, increased zinc excretion, and malabsorption due to laxative abuse), inflammatory bowel disease, jejunal bypass surgery, and cystic fibrosis. Alcoholism, malignancy, burns, infection, and pregnancy may all cause increased metabolism and excretion of zinc.

Biotin Is Required for the Zinc Homeostasis in the Skin - PMC

Over-processing can affect the potency of biotin in food and render it ineffective. Low-processed or raw versions of these foods contain more active amounts of biotin and provide the most health benefits.

Top 5 Biotin Supplements

We put your questions to Nutritional Therapist Eve Kalinik and award-winning Hairdresser Adam Reed. Whatever your biotin queries, we've got them answered. A deficiency in vitamin C leads to scurvy, which is uncommon in the U.S. but can still occur in people with limited variety in their diet or people who smoke heavily. The RDA is 90 milligrams (mg) daily for men and 75 mg daily for women. A glass of orange juice provides 80 mg per serving. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables; the highest sources include bell peppers, citrus fruits and their juices. Biotin

The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

Study results are conflicting, but most authors agree on supplementing vitamin D in patients with hair loss and vitamin D deficiency Exogenous biotin interferes with some laboratory tests, creating false negative or false positive results Although more research is necessary, it’s clear that zinc and biotin are valuable nutrients for healthy hair, nails, and skin. If you’re receiving treatment for hair loss, adding hair vitaminsto your treatment regimen may be helpful.Eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking a zinc supplement is your best bet to ensure you’re getting adequate amounts of zinc for optimal health. Biotin and Zinc for Hair Health Getting adequate amounts of biotin in the food you eat or through supplements may may contribute to healthier hair, stronger nails, and softer skin. Biotin is part of the “B family” of vitamins and is also known as vitamin H. It’s a B complex vitamin that helps your body convert food into energy. It’s never a good idea to take more of any supplement than is recommended. Supplements are not intended to replace a healthy diet. If you’re concerned you may have a nutrient deficiency, talk to your doctor.

Biotin Benefits: What the Experts Have to Say – Cleveland Clinic

The role of essential amino acids in anemia is well known, but just how amino acids affect iron uptake is the subject of ongoing research. Also, the possible impact of amino acids on hair growth has yet to be elucidated. The bioavailability of l-lysine is restricted primarily to fish, meat, and eggs. Little is known about the influence of l-lysine on iron uptake and utilization. In one study, some of the participating women achieved a modest increase in serum ferritin level after iron supplementation, i.e., supplementation with elemental iron 50mg twice daily; adding l-lysine (1.5–2g/day) to their existing iron supplementation regimen resulted in a significant ( p<0.001) increase in the mean serum ferritin concentration [ 85]. Iron deficiency is common in females with hair loss, and most authors agree in supplementing iron in patients with iron deficiency and/or low ferritin levels. However, there is no consensus on “normal ferritin” levels, and most authors prescribe supplements to the patient when the ferritin level is < 40ng/dL. l-lysine supplementation is recommended for vegan individuals with iron deficiency. But biotin deficiency is rare in the U.S.,” Barth explains. “So if you have thinning hair or brittle nails, it’s probably not due to a biotin deficiency. There’s usually another health condition causing these problems, such as iron deficiency or a thyroid issue.” Studies show that biotin supplements may help manage symptoms of diabetes. It might help reduce blood sugar levels, total cholesterol, and blood fats in some people with diabetes. But it doesn't have much effect on insulin levels.There are a couple different ways to reap the benefits of biotin. Believe it or not, you may be already getting a decent dose without knowing it. If you’re experiencing alopecia, your doctor may recommend certain biotin supplements or a higher biotin-rich diet as a way to combat hair loss. They may recommend upping your dosage to 3 milligrams (or 3,000 mcg) a day. What types of biotin are there? Individuals who have a biotin deficiency, those with an alcohol abuse problem, or lactating women can all benefit from taking a biotin supplement. However, you don’t have to have a biotin deficiency to benefit from a supplement.