What Is Biotin?
Biotin is also known as vitamin B7. This intake works by forming fatty acids and glucose.
In addition, these nutrients help metabolize carbohydrates and amino acids, as well as break down fat in the body.
You can find this compound in many foods and drinks, including milk, carrots, salmon, and nuts.
If your body lacks this compound, you can get it from supplements or additional multivitamins.
Benefits of Biotin
Some of the benefits of biotin content for the body include:
1. Prevent congenital abnormalities in the fetus
This compound is one of those that functions as a builder of organs and body tissues in the fetus.
Insufficient intake increases the risk of birth defects (congenital abnormalities) and low birth weight.
2. Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Biotin plays a role in supporting the work of the insulin hormone in regulating blood sugar in the body.
Its intake is useful for preventing insulin resistance and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
3. Increase good cholesterol
Consuming foods rich in biotin and changing your lifestyle to be healthier can increase good cholesterol levels in the body.
That way, you can prevent the risk of atherosclerosis or narrowing of blood vessels due to fat.
4. Maintain nail strength
Another benefit is maintaining nail strength so that they don’t become brittle and break easily.
Intake of this compound works by supporting the growth of nail tissue and keeping it strong.
5. Prevents nerve damage
This benefit can be obtained by people with diabetes and kidney disease. Especially for those who are undergoing dialysis procedures. Even so, this one benefit needs to be studied further.
6. Overcoming hair loss
The final benefit is to overcome hair loss by nourishing the roots.
In addition, hair becomes shinier and grows thicker than before.
Biotin Usage Dosage
It is best to discuss with your doctor regarding the correct dosage for use.
Daily usage recommendations are classified by age.
Pediatrics
- Infants 0 to 6 months: 5 micrograms.
- Infants 7 to 12 months: 6 micrograms.
- Children 1 to 3 years: 8 micrograms.
- Children aged 4 to 8 years: 12 micrograms.
- Children aged 9 to 13 years: 20 micrograms.
- Adolescents aged 14 to 18 years: 25 micrograms.
Mature
- Teenagers aged 19 years and over: 30 micrograms.
- Pregnant women: 30 micrograms.
- Nursing mothers: 35 micrograms.
How to Use Biotin
It is recommended to follow the doctor’s recommendations and read the information listed on the biotin packaging. In the form of injections, the intake will be given directly by the doctor.
The dosage and duration of use will be adjusted directly by the doctor. The recommendation depends on the disorder and intensity of the symptoms experienced by the user.
Take your dose as soon as possible if you miss your scheduled dose, but do not double your dose. If you have already missed your scheduled dose, skip the missed dose.
Biotin supplements serve to supplement nutritional needs when intake cannot be met from food. However, make sure to continue to consume a balanced nutritious diet every day.
Biotin Usage Caution
Some things you need to pay attention to before using biotin include:
- People with a history of allergies to biotin supplements should not consume them.
- People with kidney disease or who have undergone gastric surgery should not use biotin supplements.
- Avoid using medications, supplements, and herbal products to prevent drug interactions.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol to maximize the performance of biotin in the body.
- Avoid using it before undergoing a blood test. This may reduce the accuracy of the test.
- Cannot be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or women who are planning a pregnancy.
Biotin Side Effects
Supplements with this compound generally do not cause side effects if users use them according to the recommended dosage.
However, there are some mild side effects that may occur, namely diarrhea or stomach ache.
Please consult a specialist if the above side effects do not improve or are getting worse. Also, get yourself checked if you experience an allergic reaction after taking the supplement.
Biotin Interactions
Interactions occur when users take supplements together with certain medications, herbal products or foods.
Some types of drugs that can cause impacts include:
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone. All four types of drugs can lower biotin levels in the body.
- Valproic acid, this intake can reduce the effect or way biotin works.
- Alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin B5 can both decrease the absorption of this compound in the body when you use them together.
- Raw eggs. This type of food can inhibit the absorption of this compound from food or additional supplements.
Biotin Contraindications
This compound is a safe supplement for you to consume. One of its contraindications is in people with a history of hypersensitivity.
Because they are at high risk of experiencing side effects after use.