Your body requires a variety of nutrients for optimal function, and one of those is vitamin B7, also called biotin.
What is biotin?
This water-soluble nutrient helps your body convert some nutrients into energy. It also supports hair, skin and nail health.
Because it’s water-soluble, your body doesn’t store biotin. That means it’s important to regularly get enough from outside sources. These may include biotin-rich foods, like:
- Egg yolks (cooked or baked into things like muffins)
- Nuts and seeds
- Animal protein, like meat and fish
- Certain vegetables, like spinach, sweet potatoes and broccoli
How much biotin does the body need?
The amount of biotin your body needs varies by age and life stage. Babies need about 5 to 6 micrograms per day, but the amount increases to about 30 micrograms per day for adults.
Some people need more biotin, though. For example, if you’re breastfeeding, you need 35 micrograms of biotin per day – more than the typical adult dose. Others who may need additional biotin include those who take certain medications; those with biotinase deficiency (a rare genetic disorder); or those who suffer from alcohol dependency.
Who should supplement with additional biotin?
Biotin deficiency is relatively rare in the United States. Most people are able to get enough from eating a proper diet. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair loss, a rash around the face and anal area, high levels of acid in the blood or urine, brittle nails and more.
Even if you are not biotin-deficient, some people may benefit from biotin injections, which can increase the bio-availability of the vitamin to the body. These may include people who:
- take certain anti-seizure medications, which can lower the body’s biotin levels.
- suffer from thinning hair or brittle nails.
- are breastfeeding.
Are there risks to biotin supplementation?
Biotin injections have not been shown to cause harm. If you’re supplementing regularly, it’s important to note that these injections may interfere with certain lab tests, so be sure to let all your health care providers know you’re taking additional biotin.
Ready to try biotin injections? Book an appointment or walk in to any Pro Health location to speak with one of our nurse practitioners. Our caring providers will take time to understand your symptoms and concerns, and they’ll work with you to find the best treatment.