Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin of vitamin B7 nourishes the hair, nails, and skin. However, strong evidence for these benefits is lacking. Biotin is present in its free and bounded form to proteins. Proteins that contain Biotin are digested biocytin is released. It is a digestive enzyme biotinide that breaks biocytin into free Biotin.
Biotin also functions as a coenzyme in the body, and it is required for the function of five carboxylases, enzymes that are directly involved in several fundamental metabolic processes of the body.
Moreover, Biotin also plays an essential role in fatty acid synthesis, glucose formation, and amino acid metabolism.
As compared to the other B vitamins, Biotin does not have as much research behind its content in food. Along with this, human gut microbiota also produces small amounts of Biotin.
Biotin deficiency is rear, but the risk is highest among the infants who fed the formula that is low in Biotin. Moreover, people taking antiepileptic medications or infants with Leiner’s disease are prone to Biotin’s deficiency.
iT essential to keep in mind that untreated biotin deficiency causes neurological symptoms like seizures, intellectual disability, and muscle coordination loss.
It is fascinating to know that Biotin does not have any known adverse effects at high doses, or the tolerable upper limit has also not been established.
However, some evidence supports the use of biotin supplements among people who get a proper amount from their diets. They may improve the symptoms of MS and also strengthen brittle nails.