Ah, Biotin. Everyone and their mother will tell you to take Biotin for healthy hair, skin, and nails.
But it's not just a godsend for beauty needs, oh no. It does much more than that.
So, what exactly is Biotin?
Well, Biotin is a type of vitamin that helps the body convert food to energy.
Interesting fact!!
The word biotin comes from the Greek word "biotos" which means "life" or "substance."
What else does it do?
Keeps your hair, skin, nails, liver, eyes, and nervous system healthy
Regulates blood sugar
** For those who are pregnant, it is a crucial vitamin to support healthy embryonic growth
Wow, I LOVE Biotin! Where can I get it?
Pretty much everyone gets the necessary amount of Biotin from following a healthy diet. Cauliflower, carrots, bananas, mushrooms, soy, yeast, whole grains, and nuts are some of the ways you can get Biotin naturally.
How much do I need?
If you're older than 10, you need between 30 and 100mcg of Biotin per day. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you might even need more! Talk to your doctor about the correct dosage.
What happens if I get too much Biotin?
Good news! Biotin is actually not known to be toxic when consumed in large amounts.
Okay good. So what happens if I don't get enough?
Although it's pretty rare to have a Biotin deficiency, some have reported the following symptoms:
Hair loss
Scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area
Depression
Lethargy
Hallucinations
Numbness
Tingling of extremities
** Any of these could also be symptoms of something else, so if you think you have a Biotin deficiency, please consult with your doctor.
Who is ask risk for deficiency?
As I said, it's hard to be deficient. But pregnant women should be especially mindful about getting enough Biotin.
This Biotin sounds amazing. I'm gonna get some.
Good! And just in case you forget any of this, here is a handy infographic on Biotin.
To summarize...
- Biotin is a great vitamin that helps promote healthy skin, hair, and nail growth as well as the eyes, liver, and immune system.
- You can get it from following a healthy diet that includes cauliflower, whole wheat, bananas, mushrooms, and nuts.
- It's hard to be deficient, but if you think you might be, consult with a doctor.
- It's especially important for pregnant women to get enough Biotin.