Vitamin B7 (Biotin).
Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin or vitamin H. Biotin contributes to cell  development and metabolism of fats and amino acids. Biotin not only plays a key role in metabolic chemical reactions but also helps in the transfer of carbon dioxide into the lungs. Biotin is a strengthening factor for hair and nails and therefore, it is contained in many cosmetic and health products.
People with type 2 diabetes often have low levels of vitamin B7. Biotin may be involved in insulin metabolism and improvement of glucokinase activity. The latest is an enzyme responsible for the first stage of glucose metabolism.
Studies have given evidence that biotin can make blood glucose level management easier in individuals suferring from diabetes, particularly with type 2 diabetes. Biotin, along with vanadyl sulfate and chromium picolinate, is one of the three most commonly used nutrients in dietary supplementation for diabetes management.
Biotin may ease symptoms of diabetic neuropathy or, in general, of peripheral neuropathy.
Although the mechanism is not well understood, studies have shown that increased amounts of biotin can keep total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in low levels.
Reports about certain cases have shown that biotin has a beneficial effect in prevention of Candida infections.
Sources of biotin.
Biotin is contained in meat, oatmeal, egg yolk, soy, mushrooms, bananas, peanuts and brewer's yeast. Food supplements containing biotin are available in the market. Try the  button, if you want to find biotin supplements online.
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Biotin deficiency and toxicity.
Although it is rare, biotin deficiency can be proved very serious and potentially fatal, if it remains untreated. The symptoms include dry skin, dermatitis, fungal infections, rashes, thin and brittle hair, mild depression, mental changes and muscular pains. The treatment can be achieved by taking biotin supplements.
Biotin does not seem to cause toxicity, since it is water-soluble and in excessive intake can readily be excreted in the urine.
Recommendations for biotin.
In order deficiency to be prevented, the oral intake dose of biotin varies, depending on the age. For instance, typical doses for infants and children up to three years of age are 10 to 20 micrograms (mcg) per day. Children from four to six years of age should not exceed the 25mcg of biotin daily, whereas the maximum dose per day for ages from seven to ten years is 30mcg.
In general,
the range of recommended dose for adolescents and adults is from 600 to 2,500mcg per day. For pregnant women or for lactating mothers a physician's advice is needed.
For adults, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin is 150mcg/day. It has to be mentioned that the recommended dose is the minimum requirement, in order biotindeficiency to be prevented.
When it comes to treatment, the used doses are far higher than the above ones. For example, a typically recommended dose for biotin is from 7,000mcg to 15,000mcg per day for people with diabetes and 3,000mcg daily for treatment of thin, splitting or brittle toe and fingernails.
Supplementation of any single vitamin B for a long period of time, may lead to significantly imbalanced state of other members of the complex. Thus, a full range of additional supplementation for vitamin B complex is recommended. |
