Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

The Benefits of Biotin

Although biotin is not one of the more well-known vitamins, it is such a beneficial vitamin that it should not be ignored. Biotin is an important B vitamin. It is known as vitamin B7, or occasionally as vitamin H. Biotin is water-soluble, which means it is filtered through the bloodstream and eliminated with urine. As a water-soluble vitamin, biotin needs to be replenished on a regular basis to ensure you have healthy levels of it at all times.

Biotin has an essential role in helping the body metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Biotin also helps the body process glucose. These roles in metabolism help the body produce energy more efficiently, which may help reduce feelings of fatigue that are caused by metabolism problems. Biotin is also very beneficial to the health of the hair, skin, and nails. Many people see a noticeable improvement in hair, skin, and nails when they begin taking a biotin supplement. Biotin also helps build and maintain muscle tissue, bone marrow, and nervous system tissue.

There are many common foods that are rich in biotin, including egg yolks, milk, poultry, fish, broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower. Because it is so abundant in food, a biotin deficiency is rare. However, those seeking the specific health benefits of biotin may find taking a biotin supplement to be helpful. Talk to your doctor about what type of biotin supplement could be beneficial for your health.

Article by Elizabeth Walling.