Does biotin stop hair loss?
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin also known as B7. It’s found naturally in some foods and assists enzymes to break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the food we eat. Without this process, we wouldn’t have the energy to perform daily tasks or to execute simple processes like grow new hair.
Biotin is created naturally in our bowels and we get it from a healthy diet including eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts and certain vegetables. If you don’t eat enough, you can top up with an over-the-counter supplement.
What Are the Benefits of Biotin?
Alongside helping to turn food into energy, biotin has multiple benefits for our body inside and out. These include;
- Assist in the re-growth of healthy skin, hair and nails
- May promote fetal development during pregnancy. Biotin should be in your prenatal vitamin. Don’t take a high dose of biotin as this can be dangerous for the baby. Always consult your doctor
- Some research has shown that sufferers of type 2 diabetes may benefit from the addition of biotin supplements
If you are deficient in biotin, you may notice symptoms such as; thinning hair, brittle nails, skin infections, conjunctivitis or a scaly red rash around the nose, eyes and mouth. Always consult your GP if you experience any of these problems.
Certain People Are at Risk of a Biotin Deficiency
A biotin deficiency is not common, but a certain demographic may be at a higher risk of becoming biotin deficient according to the National Institute of Health. These include;
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Even while eating a healthy diet, some pregnant women experience lower levels of biotin
- People living with chronic health conditions. Long term health conditions sometimes affect the ability to absorb the right amount of vitamins and minerals
- Those who struggle with alcoholism. Daily, long term alcohol use can reduce your body’s ability to absorb biotin
Does Biotin Stop Hair Loss?
Many studies have been carried out to answer the question ‘does biotin stop hair loss’. The outcome was that: biotin supplementation may have a positive effect for people with hair loss due to a biotin deficiency. If you are an individual experiencing hair loss with a normal biotin level, extra biotin will not make a difference.
Hair loss and hair thinning can be caused by genetics, stress, having a baby, certain medications, sudden weight loss or an underlying condition like depression. If you experience sudden hair loss, it’s always advised to check in with your doctor who can check you over. You may be deficient in a vitamin or your haircare routine may not be promoting healthy, new growth.
What Are Natural Sources of Biotin?
It’s always best to get your vitamins, including biotin from natural sources where possible. But, if you follow a certain diet, this may not be possible and supplements are a way to top up. The best natural sources of biotin are;
- Organ meats
- Egg yolks
- Nuts including; walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts
- Soybeans
- Mushrooms
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potato
- Bananas
- Cereals and whole grains
- Nut butter
Does Biotin Stop Hair Loss – Final Thoughts
While biotin has been found to have a positive effect on hair loss for those with a biotin deficiency, there is no proof it helps the average hair loss sufferer.
If you are experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, ask your doctor to perform tests to see if you have any deficiencies. This may help to pinpoint something which could be contributing to your hair loss.
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To Summarize