Biotin is a B-complex vitamin. It is also known as Vitamin B7. It helps the body extract energy from food. Along with this, biotin also helps in maintaining the health of the nervous system, liver, eyes, hair and skin. Foods such as eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds are good sources of biotin. It is also produced in your body. However, if you develop a biotin deficiency, your doctor may recommend taking biotin capsules. Biotin capsules replenish biotin in the body and provide several benefits.
Dosage of Biotin Capsules
The dosage of biotin capsules should be according to your age, gender and medical condition. Therefore, getting a health check-up before starting biotin capsules is recommended. Your doctor will be able to suggest the dosage that’s appropriate for you after the check-up.
Here are some standard recommended daily allowances of biotin
- An infant may be given approximately 5 micrograms of biotin
- Pregnant and lactating women can consume 35 micrograms of biotin per day
- According to the National Institutes of Health, adults 19 years of age or older should consume 30 micrograms of biotin daily
- People who are suffering from hair fall can take 2 to 5 mg biotin daily
Avoid taking biotin capsules in excessive amounts.
Benefits of Biotin Supplementation
Biotin capsules help maintain your overall health. Like other B vitamins, biotin also helps the body utilise enzymes. Along with this, it also works to carry nutrients throughout the body. A deficiency of biotin in the body, can thus, interrupt these functions. In such a situation, taking biotin capsules on the advice of a doctor can be beneficial. Here are all the benefits of biotin capsules.
Helps control diabetes
Biotin capsules may be effective in alleviating the symptoms of diabetes. A few small animal studies have reported that biotin can help control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Also, taking biotin capsules promotes brain function. Due to this, the neurological symptoms of diabetes remain under control.
Benefits for hair
Taking biotin capsules improves hair health. It helps prevent hair fall, promotes hair growth, and makes the hair shinier. Biotin capsules can also prove to be effective in reducing dryness of the hair and scalp.
Biotin stimulates the production of keratin in the hair. Keratin is an essential protein for hair health. This leads to faster hair growth and stimulates the hair follicles.
Beneficial for skin and nails
Several studies have shown that biotin capsules are good for skin and nail health. In fact, biotin hydrates the skin, provides moisture to it and improves overall skin health. Taking biotin capsules can also get rid of dry and dull skin, which makes the skin glow and look beautiful.
Along with this, biotin capsules have also been shown to be good for your nails as well. They strengthen nails, help in their rapid growth and also reduce the risk of nail breakage.
Benefits for pregnant women
Taking biotin capsules is beneficial even in pregnancy. It is common for women to have biotin deficiency during pregnancy. A deficiency of biotin can impair the development of the fetus. If your doctor diagnoses you with a biotin deficiency, they may recommend taking biotin supplementation.
Taking biotin supplements or capsules as per your doctor’s advice during pregnancy can help with the proper development of the fetus and maintain the overall health of the expecting mother. Biotin capsules can also be beneficial for lactating women.
Possible Side Effects of Biotin Capsules
Biotin offers many health benefits. The evidence for its side effects is scant but excessive consumption of biotin capsules may lead to some side effects such as:
- Frequent urination can occur
- May lead to some degree of sleeplessness
- May result in skin rashes and poor digestion
- May cause kidney problems
- May experience mild nausea and vomiting
Pregnant and lactating women should take Biotin Capsule only on the advice of the doctor.
Takeaway
Biotin is found in many foods. Apart from this, your body also produces biotin. Biotin deficiency is rarely seen in people. When there is a deficiency of biotin in the body, the doctor may prescribe biotin supplements or capsules. Biotin capsules are very beneficial for health, hair, skin and nails. Proper dosage of biotin can be beneficial in other health conditions as well. However, pregnant and lactating women and people suffering from serious illnesses should take biotin supplements only on their doctor's advice.