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Biotin supplements for hair - How to choose the right one
October 16, 2023
Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, is an organic compound found in many supplements and foods.
If there is a deficiency of this vitamin in the body, it affects the hair and leads to weakening of the hair.
An unbalanced diet that excludes certain foods (for example, liver and boiled eggs) or is too rich in others (especially raw egg whites) can lead to imbalances.
A balanced diet, on the other hand, is the best way to get a sufficient daily amount of biotin. We will find out how to get the right amount of biotin, including with the help of specific natural supplements.
One of the main effects of vitamin H deficiency is hair loss or thinning.
This is because biotin is involved in numerous biological processes that occur in the human body. This includes the metabolism of proteins, fats and sugar.
What benefits does biotin have for hair?
Restoring proper biotin levels in the body is extremely important because, as mentioned, biotin has numerous functions.
In particular, this compound helps to improve the condition of the skin appendages, namely nails and hair. Biotin supplementation may have positive effects on individuals who have brittle or thin hair in certain pediatric conditions.
Additionally, biotin supplementation (in those with biotin deficiency) could stop hair loss.
Biotin supplements: what is it good for and how much should you take
Called a "smart vitamin that regrows hair" by magazines like Vanity Fair, biotin is considered by dermatologists to be a vitamin useful for the formation of keratin, the main component of hair.
Required by the body in small amounts, it is a micronutrient and, more precisely, biotin helps to strengthen the keratin structure, making hair stronger and consequently shinier.
It is water-soluble, so it is not stored in the body and can only be obtained through diet, similar to vitamin C.
It is said to act on dermatitis by inhibiting the accumulation of inflammation-causing fatty acids.
Aside from being found in protein-rich foods, nuts, mushrooms and vegetables, it can also be taken with special supplements.
But be careful not to consume too much biotin; in fact, the daily requirement (2) should be between 15 and 100 mg per day, depending on the physical activity (the need of an athlete is higher).
Biotin supplements: deficiency and excess
While a lack of biotin can cause skin changes (and therefore hair problems), an excess can cause adverse reactions, especially when combined with certain medications, such as thyroid medications.
For this reason, it is always necessary to seek medical advice, especially for certain conditions.
Deepen the contraindications of the biotin dietary supplement.
Biotin supplements: The effects associated with zinc
Combined with another micronutrient, zinc, which has antioxidant and protective properties, biotin can actually strengthen hair structure, combat hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Zinc deficiency has been identified in some studies as one of the factors for hair loss.
How to Choose Biotin Supplements?
If there is a possible deficiency of vitamin H, special biotin hair supplements can be used.
In this case, it is advisable to consult your doctor to check possible interactions with other medications (if you are on drug therapy). The doctor's opinion can also be helpful in choosing the most suitable product for your needs, based on the amount of biotin in the tablets or capsules, in order to correctly adjust the intake.