• Hair and Nail Problems, Brittle fingernails
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Diabetes mellitus (type 2)
• Pregnancy supplementation
• Candida Infections
• High Cholesterol
• Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Biotin is one of eight essential vitamins that comprise the B-complex. Like all of the members of the B-complex, biotin plays an important role in energy metabolism, acting as a coenzyme in chemical reactions that produce energy.

Biotin functions in this process as a carrier of carbon dioxide. The process by which energy is created in the body is known as the TCA cycle.

As a coenzyme, biotin is instrumental in keeping the TCA cycle going. In addition, biotin is a key player in fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism and the creation of glycogen, the body’s short-term energy supply that is stored in muscle.

Since biotin is essential in converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins to energy, it may be a useful aid to weight loss. Biotin may also be of benefit to diabetics because it is able to lower blood sugar levels and metabolize carbohydrates.

Further, having enough biotin in the diet has been associated with the ability to maintain shiny, healthy hair, and it may also help hair keep its color longer.

Biotin is only needed in small amounts. Since the vitamin is present in a wide variety of foods, dietary deficiencies of biotin are rare. The intestines also make biotin naturally, though it is not known how much biotin from this source can be absorbed and utilized by the body. The rare cases in which biotin deficiency may occur include prolonged intravenous feeding without supplements of biotin and cases in which raw egg whites are consumed in large amounts (usually by athletes).

An inherited disorder may cause biotin deficiency as well. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair loss, rash, depression, exhaustion, and numbness or tingling in the extremities.
Biotin levels can become depleted during pregnancy, so some experts recommend biotin supplements to prevent possible birth defects that may result from lack of sufficient biotin in an expectant mother’s diet. While taking biotin supplements during pregnancy may be prudent as a precautionary measure, there is no solid evidence to suggest that any birth defects are caused by biotin deficiency.

The recommended daily amount of biotin for adults is 25 micrograms for men and 30 micrograms for women. Pregnant women may need 35 micrograms.

People on anti-seizure medications and those who consume a great deal of alcohol may also need extra biotin in their diets.

These groups may benefit from biotin supplements as well.

Biotin is usually included in B-complex vitamin supplements. It is generally a good idea to take multivitamin supplements that contain all of the B-vitamins rather than single supplements because the B vitamins work in concert with each other.

The exception to this might be people with diabetes, since preliminary evidence suggests that very large doses (7,000 to 15,000 micrograms) of biotin may be helpful in regulating blood sugar.