Biotin
Benefits of Biotin
- Hair and skin
- Energy
- Form: D-Biotin
- Food source: Nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, avocados, legumes and oats.
What is Biotin?
Biotin is a B vitamin (B7) that helps the body make use of the energy from food. As a B vitamin, it is involved in breaking down the carbohydrates, fats and proteins we eat.
What does Biotin do?
Biotin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to normal macronutrient metabolism. It is also used in the body's cells when they process protein, which is the raw material for hair and nails. Researchers have documented what happens to hair when biotin is in short supply. A true biotin deficiency is rare, as the body only needs a relatively small amount, and bacteria found naturally in the bowel can also make some.
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin. Hair, nails and the outer layer of skin are built largely from a protein called keratin. Laboratory research on isolated hair follicles has looked at how hormones and nutrients affect hair fibre production.
Hair, nails and skin can all reflect our nutrient status, and dermatologists have reviewed how different micronutrients show up in each. Biotin is one of the nutrients that has been studied for its effect on nail plate thickness.
You may also enjoy reading 'Best foods for hair loss & thinning' and 'Ultimate advice for hair loss, from an expert nutritionist'.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient which our body doesn’t produce, so we need to gain it in our diet. It supports a range of functions from our nervous and immune systems to the healthy colour of our hair.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne Pepper is not only a delicious ingredient for cooking, it is studied for a range of health benefits, including hair growth and blood circulation, due to its active ingredient 'capsaicin'.
CoQ-10
Found in almost every cell of the body, Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) is a fat-soluble, enzyme that helps convert food into energy and is required in large amounts in the heart muscle.
Horsetail
Horsetail is a fern that grows wild in Northern Europe and America. It was first used by ancient Greeks as a remedy for improving the appearance of hair due to its high levels of silica.
Inositol
Inositol is a type of sugar produced by our kidneys and used throughout our body, in particular in our brain and in cell membranes, and it influences the effectiveness of insulin.
Iodine
Iodine is an important mineral needed for the production of thyroid hormones, helping maintain the body’s metabolic rate, healthy skin and hair, and is crucial during pregnancy.
Iron
Iron is vital to our wellbeing, including developing red blood cells which carry oxygen and fuel our energy. It is also essential in enzyme reactions and for our immunity.
