Biotin: A User's Manual

Bio-do or Bio-don't???

The coenzyme in all it's glory, courtesy of www.wikipedia.com

Well friends, I'm officially down and out with my first sinus infection of the season. (booooooo!) And as I sit here, wallowing in a gross pile of germs, I thought I'd talk to you a little bit about the supplement Biotin. I've had a number of clients ask me about it over the years, and I've recommended it to a number of clients over the years, but it should be explained, because it is not a panacea, and it is not for everyone.

So what is Biotin first of all?:  Biotin is what's known as a " organic coenzyme," which is really a fancy way of saying it's a vitamin. It's also known as vitamin H or B7.  It's a substance that our body naturally makes because it helps us grow cells, make fatty acids, and properly break down/absorb fats and amino acids. But it is also sold as a supplemented vitamin to take daily, as a means of boosting it in our bodies, for those who feel they may be deficient in it.

Who is deficient?: Well, actually, very few people are truly biotin deficient. Pregnant and nursing women have a higher risk of being biotin deficient which is why most prenatal vitamins contain a healthy dose of Biotin. Smoking can cause Biotin deficiency, but frankly my dears, that's gonna be the LEAST of your problems if you're addicted to cigarettes. And finally if you're on a raw egg whites diet, there's a good chance you may end up biotin deficient.

Well if most aren't deficient, why do they want to take this substance?: It's ability to grow cells and metabolize proteins makes it a real secret weapon in the fight against brittle nails and slow growing hair. Some claim that it also helps with hair thickness, though I haven't ever witnessed this. Unless it's a case of re-growing hair that fell out due to temporary sickness or pregnancy, and then it's really more down to a speeding up of what's naturally going to happen. 

What won't it help do: It won't regrow thinning hair. I'm big time sorry about this one, but if you are experiencing any form of alopecia, other than postpartum, Biotin is not going to help you to re-grow your hair. I say this with lots of love and sympathy to anyone experiencing hair loss. I've donated three times to locks of love because I just want to try to help everyone feel like they can have pretty hair <3 There are other alternatives to try but Biotin can't change genetics or reverse metabolic syndrome or balance hormones, it's just one vitamin. 

So who can use Biotin?: Well pregnant women for starters, though as previously mentioned it's probably in the vitamins you're already taking for a healthy pregnancy. I will warn those considering Biotin for cosmetic reasons, NOT to take prenatal vitamins as they contain excesses of other substances as well, which can lead to complications if you're not expecting. Just stick to the supplement of Biotin or a hair skin and nails multi. Anyone who has brittle breaking nails can try Biotin, anyone who feels they have a dull complexion, anyone who feels like their hair grows VERY SLOOOOOOWLY. 

Who shouldn't use Biotin: Well, frankly nothing detrimental is going to happen from too much Biotin. In most cases won't hurt your organs, or send your body into shock, (rare side effects: stop taking immediately and see a doctor if you develop a skin rash or sugar cravings occur) it may cause you to break out though. Yeah I know, no one tells you these things! Aren't you glad I'm here? Two good friends of mine had this reaction, and then I did too. If you already have somewhat fast growing nails and hair, and a history of somewhat problematic skin, speeding up that renewal process also speeds up your breakouts. If you're shedding and making skin cells at a breakneck pace, a lot of those cells are going to get trapped in pores regardless of washing or exfoliating, and you may produce more oil to try and clear those pores, some of which gets caught too, and well, you get where I'm going with this. So if you try it and you notice after a couple weeks you're having more problems with your skin, it might not be for you. There's a good chance if you stop taking the biotin, your skin will calm back down. Other than that, try it, see if you notice a difference in your nail strength and growth (that always seems to be the first thing it effects.) If you think it's not doing anything, then you know what, stop taking it. No big.

Ways to naturally get more Biotin without pills: For my friends like me who can't do the pills, or for anyone who prefers to get nutrients from their food. Raw egg yolks, leafy greens (particularly swiss chard,) and liver. Looking for a quick Biotin fix? Try a poached pasture organic egg on a bed of fresh organic baby spinach. Cooking the egg whites but leaving the yolk raw helps to promote Biotin absorption! 

Here's hoping this explains or clears up remaining confusion on this subject

BKBTY