Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that's a part of the vitamin B family. It's also known as vitamin H. Your body needs biotin to help convert certain nutrients into energy. It also plays an important role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails.

Vitamin B7, more commonly known as biotin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is vital for the body’s metabolism and functioning. It is an essential component of a number of enzymes responsible for several crucial metabolic pathways in the human body, including the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, as well as amino acids involved in protein synthesis.

Biotin is known to promote cell growth and is often a component of dietary supplements used for strengthening hair and nails, as well as those marketed for skin care.

Vitamin B7 is found in a number of foods, though in small amounts. This includes walnuts, peanuts, cereals, milk, and egg yolks. Other foods that contain this vitamin are whole meal bread, salmon, pork, sardines, mushroom and cauliflower. Fruits that contain biotin include avocados, bananas and raspberries. In general, a healthy varied diet provides the body with sufficient amounts of biotin.

Biotin is essential for the body’s metabolism. It acts as a coenzyme in a number of metabolic pathways involving fatty acids and essential amino acids, as well as in gluconeogenesis – the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrates. Although biotin deficiency is rare, some groups of people may be more susceptible to it, such as patients suffering from Crohn’s disease. Biotin deficiency symptoms include hair loss, skin issues including rash, an appearance of cracking in the corners of the mouth, dryness of the eyes and appetite loss. Vitamin B7 promotes appropriate function of the nervous system and is essential for liver metabolism as well.

Biotin is commonly advised as a dietary supplement for strengthening hair and nails, as well as in skin care. It is suggested that biotin aids cell growth and the maintenance of mucous membranes. Vitamin B7 can aid in caring for thinning hair and brittle nails, especially in those suffering from biotin deficiency.

Some evidence has shown that those suffering from diabetes may be susceptible to biotin deficiency. Since biotin is an important factor in the synthesis of glucose, it may help maintain an appropriate blood sugar level in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.