Vitamins and minerals are needed to combat hair loss as well as to prevent it from happening. One of the more important vitamins for hair growth is Biotin. Biotin is a water soluble vitamin and is typically classified as part of Vitamin B complex.
The proper intake of Biotin plays an essential role in the prevention of hair loss. Biotin and hair loss are closely related. A deficiency in biotin can cause unhealthy hair that is prone to breakage and damage. This will eventually lead to loss of hair. Aside from this, Biotin is also a vital component in the growth of new hair and also aids in keeping the skin and nails in good health.
All organisms need biotin; however, it can only be synthesized by yeasts, molds, bacteria, algae, and some other species of plant. Several studies on the effects of biotin on the body show that Vitamin B7 or biotin can help promote the healthier growth of hair as well as prevent the development of brittle nails. Vitamin B7 or biotin supplements are recommended as a natural product to combat problems related to hair loss; however, no studies have been known to prove that biotin treats the types of hair loss that does not involve biotin deficiency.
Biotin is being used as a hair growth vitamin, as well as a treatment to reduce hair loss related to biotin deficiencies. This is because biotin appears to help in metabolizing fatty acids that are essential growth components in a number of processes in the body including the hair. An individual who has a deficiency in Vitamin B’s, specifically Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7 or biotin, inositol, and folic acid can become prone to hair loss. Some symptoms for biotin deficiency are hair loss, and severe cases of biotin deficiency can cause the loss of hair in the eye brows and eye lashes. Some shampoos contain biotin, however, its effectivity is not guaranteed as biotin is not known to be well absorbed by the skin.
Most hair loss in men is caused by heredity; however, maintaining a good and well balanced diet can help slow down the loss of hair. A balanced diet includes good sources of Vitamin B complex including biotin. Some good sources of biotin are eggs, liver, milk, yeast, beef, chicken, peanuts, cheese, and kidney. Other sources include Brewer’s yeast, oats, green peas, soybeans, sunflower seeds, bulgur, brown rice, and walnuts.
If you have a deficiency in biotin, use biotin supplements to balance the deficiency. However, you should remember that when taking biotin supplements, it is important to avoid foods that have high protein content. Protein binds with biotin which may lead to the unavailability of biotin in the body- causing hair loss.
In order for biotin intake to produce the best results, it should be taken together with other hair loss treatments such as Minoxidil or Propecia. Biotin is probably the ultimate vitamin for hair growth. If your hair loss is somehow related to a deficiency in Vitamin B7, then the intake of biotin supplements and the modification of your diet to include more sources of biotin are good ways to start the fight against hair loss.
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