Biotin is one of the more unique vitamins, and this guide will cover what it can do for you and your hair (and more!).
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is the name of a compound that can be found in many plant-based foods. While it’s named as such, it also goes by two other names — Vitamin B-7 and Vitamin H. While this may be a bit confusing, it’s actually fairly simple. Biotin is part of the B-group of vitamins, hence the name, but it’s also referred to as a separate vitamin entirely sometimes, which is why you may see it called Vitamin H instead from time to time.
Biotin is an interesting compound and vitamin in the sense that it does a lot for the body. As we’ve outlined in the article, it can help with hair growth and health, but it does much more than that, too.
Benefits of Biotin
Regulates metabolism
Metabolism is the process of converting carbs, proteins, and fats into energy. Having a healthy metabolic rate is key if you want to lose weight and stay fit, and while a good diet is the most effective way to keep it regulated, you can also rely on certain vitamins such as biotin. Biotin’s able to regulate your body’s metabolism, allowing you to stay healthy and fit without relying on the perfect diet every single time.
Bolsters your immune system
When it comes to the immune system, Vitamin C is often seen as the vitamin for the job, but it’s not the only vitamin you can make use of. Biotin also helps create more white blood cells in the body, and this is important when your body needs to fight viruses and bacteria that may have entered your bloodstream.
Keeps hair healthy
Healthy hair may not be as important as a healthy heart and a regulated metabolism, but it’s still definitely nice to have. In fact, the reason why biotin is so effective in hair health is that it promotes and stimulates the production of keratin in the body, which in turn promotes better hair. It’s not a direct factor in making hair better, but it certainly gets the ball rolling.
Can you overdose on biotin?
Biotin may seem like a wonder vitamin that can do it all, and some may be tempted to take excess amounts of it for even more benefits. However, this can be dangerous to the body, as overdosing on most nutrients or vitamins can lead to problems. There is no real known antidote for biotin overdose, which means that you’ll have to deal with all the repercussions of overdosing until it wears off.
Symptoms of biotin overdose can include insomnia, a bad tummy, and even problems with your kidney. These are things that you’d probably want to avoid, especially if you’re taking biotin to keep yourself healthy in the first place. While biotin’s great and all, it’s not something you should just consume haphazardly. Moderation is key for ideal results.
Types of Biotin Supplements
Drops
Biotin drops are by far the easiest to consume. All you have to do is drop the formula using the provided dropper into your mouth, swallow with your saliva, and you’re good to go. The process is quick and painless, and you won’t feel that uncomfortable sensation in your throat that you’d feel when swallowing capsules or tablets. Drops also come in flavors that can make the supplement even easier to consume.
Capsules
Capsules are your standard form of supplement intake, with the biotin being contained in a small solid space. It can be consumed by drinking a glass of water or just swallowing it on your own, though it may be a little difficult without water.
Softgels
Softgels are like a mix between drops and capsules. They contain liquid inside but are held back by a thin layer of digestible material. Take these if you prefer something smoother than capsules but dislike the idea of drops.
