Blog

History of Biotin

The word Biotin is derived from the Greek word “biotos” meaning life or sustenance. This Vitamin is found in egg yolks, liver and yeast, it was only in 1901 it was discovered that yeast requires a special growth factor which was named “Bios”. The discovery of Biotin occurred during an investigation of ‘egg white injury’ , which is a vitamin deficiency disease that is induced by feeding lab test rats an excess of raw egg white. During the tests, the lab test animals developed dermatitis, lost hair and also suffered from skin lesions and they were cured by heat stable factors found in yeast and liver.

In 1924 it was discovered that three factors were essential for the growth of microorganisms, they were BiosII, Vitamin H and Coenzyme R, they were same, a water soluble, sulfur containing vitamin Biotin, which was actually called Protective Factor X, Factor S, Factor W, or Vitamin Bw. Only in 1927 did they realise that mammals require water soluble vitamin Biotin. German scientists in 1931 Paul Gyorgy discovered Biotin in the liver and called it Vitamin H, as H represents the words “Haut und Haar” German words for “Skin and Hair”. 1932 saw the isolation of the vitamin from egg yolk, and in 1936 they christened the isolated substance as Biotin and it was recognised for the first time that egg white injury can be healed with Biotin supplements

The Benefits of Biotin, who needs it and why?

Also, known as Vitamin H, B7 and Biotin it’s one of the B complex vitamins that enables the body to convert food into energy and keeps your, hair, skin, eyes, liver and nervous system healthy while also being an imperative nutrient during pregnancy as it aides in proper embryonic growth as pregnant women are at a higher risk of Biotin deficiency. The deficiency of this vitamins usually occurs from an unbalanced diet where the vitamins in absent. Eating raw egg whites daily can also cause the Biotin deficiency, as explained we need the vitamin in a water-soluble form. The symptoms of lacking this vital vitamin are as listed below.

Deficiency Symptoms

1. Hair Loss (Alopecia)

2. Dermatitis

3. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

4. Neurological disorders, Depression, lethargy, hallucination, numbness and tingling of the extremities (only in adults)

5. Dry skin

6. Inflammation of the tongue

7. Nausea

8. Vomiting

9. Loss of appetite

10. Lack of voluntary muscle coordination

Being precise with your prescription

Although one can get their daily dose of Biotin from egg yolks, soybeans, whole grains, cauliflower, nuts such as almonds, pecans and walnuts, mushrooms and organ meats such as liver and kidneys, for many to maintain this diet can seem to be rather tricky to follow, especially if you have a busy schedule and don’t have much time to prepare your daily meals. The required dosage a person need is anywhere from 30 to 200 micrograms, so choosing supplement is definitely the way to go, as its practical and one can never forget to leave home without them. So, though you may be aware of different doses that are taken around the world how do you know what is best for you?

The recommended daily dose as per your age

• Birth to 12 months: 7 mcg

• 1 to 3 years: 8 mcg

• 4 to 8 years: 12 mcg

• 9 to 13 years: 20 mcg

• 14 to 18 years: 25 mcg

• Over 18: 30 mcg

• During pregnancy: 30 mcg

• Breastfeeding Women: 35 mcg

An average preparation of Biotin tablets are available from 10mcg (micrograms), 50mcg, 100mcg and 5000mcg. Although if you are above 18 there is not RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for Biotin. 5000mcg, may seem like an extremely high dose, but it would only benefit you tremendously, for as it travels through your bloodstream your body has the ability to eliminate any excess Biotin if there is any, your body never builds up a toxic reserve for this vitamin, which means you can never overdose on Biotin itself.

However, as a rule always inform your Doctor before taking and supplements especially if you pregnant, breastfeeding, on Dialysis, taking medication for seizures or if you are on a course on Anti-biotics. Biotin is a safe Vitamin and would almost never cause a side effect directly to you, but it’s is recommended to inform your doctor if you are suffering from serious diseases or undergoing an alternative treatment to avoid any reactions to other medications you might be on. One doesn’t need to ever worry about an over dose of Biotin as it’s proven to be very safe, allergic reactions only is some rare cases may occur.

Biotin, A plethora of healing qualities!

The complete range of Vitamin B is imperative for your body to help convert calories from the micronutrients, carbohydrates, protein and fat into much needed energy your body uses. Biotin plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and amino acids that are the known as the building blocks of proteins. Which means, they are extremely important for strengthening your hair and nails. According to the University of Maryland, the bacteria in your small intestine can produce a slight amount of Biotin as compared to other researchers that state the body doesn’t produce any. It is still highly recommended that a person eats a healthy balanced diet consisting of Biotin rich foods or supplements to ensure a healthy body, a positive state of mind and beautifully strong hair and nails.

DNA’s new Pal!

The benefits of Biotin are truly spectacular! As it rejuvenates your hair, nails and skin it also assists in one of the most important bodily function, which is to regulate the formation of DNA. As this miraculous Vitamin achieves in ensuring that each genetic cell works properly and is replicated correctly, it is an imperative process for body of a pregnant women, especially for cell development, when their cells are dividing itself during pregnancy.

The Brain Protector!

The complexity of how this Vitamin works is truly amazing, it literally protects your brain! Biotin ensures your nervous system is in top working order as it assists the neurotransmitter activities and helps with nerve signals, by this it helps improve your memory and guards you from cognitive issues and neurodegenerative disorders while also preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. So, it’s no surprise that Biotin revives you mind giving you a better concertation level, keeps depression and anxiety at bay leaving you with a very positive outlook towards life just when you need that something extra to keep you sharp and alert.

A life saver for Diabetics!

Diabetics can really gain enormously with Biotin as well, as it stabilises blood sugar levels. Studies have proven that people suffering with both Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 have responded to Biotin very well, as the vitamin has the ability to stimulate the secretion of insulin and help lower the blood glucose levels in them both. While Diabetics also suffer from nerve damage due to enzyme build up and low levels of this vitamin in the body leads to an alarming level of build-up, Biotin supplement encourages enzyme activity to a healthier level which prevents Diabetics from additional nerve damage.

Boosts Thyroid Regulation

Our body relies on key glands to normalize functions to keep us feeling our best, Biotin works wonders in maintaining proper thyroid activity and regulating sleep, hunger, energy. When your body is unable to control these basic functions, you will experience weight gain, insomnia, perpetual fatigue therefore Biotin is imperative in assisting with Thyroid regulation.

A Happy Heart!

High levels of Low-density lipoprotein LDL also know as the bad cholesterol and can lead to a heart disease, if healthy levels of LDL is not maintained one has a very high chance of a stroke or a heart attack. Research proves that Biotin can help lower LDL levels while increasing levels of High-density lipoprotein HDL better known as the good cholesterol. As B complex vitamins help in reducing inflammation and plaque build up in the arteries, Biotin lowers the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Kind on the Curves!

Weight watchers should be especially be happy to know that as Biotin helps in boosting the metabolism is also works brilliantly with ones battle against excess weight , as it increases your metabolism is accelerates weight loss . Remember Biotin is not a diet pill, so while you take your supplements always maintain a healthy diet and follow a good exercise routine and always drink loads and loads of water.

Whenever you decide to take supplements, no matter what they are always keep in mind they are they to give you little nudge in the right direction, when you yourself are not able to take care of yourself. They are there to rejuvenate, revive and heal you. Learning how best to make them work for you is all in finding the right balance in all that you do. Eat healthy, rest well, learn to make time for yourself to unwind and stay away from all that corrupts your body and mind.

A good healthy body is absolutely achievable as so is inner peace that makes it all happen. As the Great Buddha once said “To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him”

Happy Healing Ya’ll!!!