Biotin for hair growth – Does it really work?
Hair loss is one of the most common problems among adults today. It can be due to a number of reasons, right from stress to vitamin deficiency
Biotin or Vitamin B7 is an essential vitamin, which means that the body requires this vitamin for smooth functioning and good health. Another benefit, which is quite attractive for many, is that biotin strengthens hair.
It is believed to prevent hair fall and ensure that your hair is strong and healthy. This is why hair loss is often attributed to biotin deficiency, among other factors.
In this article, we shall discuss the importance of biotin for hair growth and whether supplements really help prevent/stop hair loss.
Health benefits of biotin
Just like all the other B vitamins, biotin is responsible for transporting nutrients in the body and using enzymes as and when necessary. Some of the health benefits of biotin are as follows:
- Biotin for hair loss: There is a good amount of evidence that proves that biotin improves the volume and shine of hair. It also enhances scalp coverage, treating thinning hair. Also, while there isn’t enough data that shows that it promotes hair growth, many manufacturers of hair products swear by biotin for strong and healthy hair.
- Fingernails and skin: Biotin helps keep the skin hydrated and strengthens fingernails. It also helps them grow faster.
- Diabetes: Biotin evidently helps regular blood sugar levels in the body, enabling proper diabetes management. It is also said to alleviate diabetic nerve pain.
- Prenatal care: Biotin deficiency can cause health problems in babies. Sadly, biotin deficiency is quite common in pregnant ladies. That is why biotin supplements are often prescribed during pregnancy.
Does biotin prevent hair loss?
Biotin deficiency leads to hair loss because biotin is important for keratin production. So, if the body has adequate levels of biotin, hair loss can definitely be prevented.
Having said that, it is important to understand that there are many factors that lead to hair loss. These include genetics, stress, and certain medicines. If you do not have biotin deficiency and are still losing hair, it could be due to one of these factors.
In such cases, biotin supplements may not help with hair growth. As long as you are consuming 30 mcg/day of biotin and there are no underlying conditions, your hair should be strong and healthy. Strong hair does not fall very easily.
Biotin dosage for hair growth, preparation, and safety
For good hair health, experts recommend taking 2000 to 5000 mcg of biotin supplement every day. Anything excess will be removed from the body through urine and feces because biotin is a water-soluble vitamin.
Biotin supplements are safe even in high dosages and carry little to no risk. So, you don’t have to worry but we recommend that you take the doctor’s advice before purchasing supplements.
Biotin-rich foods for hair growth
Biotin deficiency is not common among adults because many foods contain the vitamin. A few foods that are particularly rich in biotin are:
- Egg yolks (cooked)
- Meat
- Oats
- Fish
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Apple
- Cheese
- Milk
- Wheat germ
- Seeds
Possible side effects
Even though under most circumstances, the risk of side-effects is low, there are cases where high dosages have led to side effects. These include the following:
- Digestive distress
- Skin rashes
- Kidney problems
- Difficulty releasing insulin
Always consult your doctor before taking any kind of medication or supplements.
Conclusion
Although there is little evidence that biotin really prevents hair loss, we can firmly say that it strengthens hair. It is, thus, important to ensure that we make biotin-rich foods a part of our diet.
If you have heavy hair loss, it is always advisable to seek doctor’s advice.
He/she will be able to assess your condition and recommend the best treatment pathway. We invite you to book an appointment at Reviva for consultation. We will answer all your questions about hair loss and suggest the best course of treatment for you.
