The Health Benefits of Biotin and What Foods Contain Biotin

Biotin is another one of the B complex vitamins and sometimes referred to as vitamin H. Biotin is naturally produced by bacteria, fungi, algae and yeast. Most of the bacteria we naturally produce in our intestines have biotin, which provides us with a hearty source of this vitamin. Biotin can boost the health of blood cells, male sex organs, bone marrow and nerve tissues. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance of our bones and nerves.

Biotin plays a very important role in the body's metabolism of sugar, protein and fat. Increased biotin in ones system can mean that there will be an increase of energy. Research shows that biotin can benefit those who have diabetes by breaking down carbohydrates and lowering blood sugar levels therefore, increasing those people's energy levels.

Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency
There are several ways to tell if you have a biotin deficiency and they are as follows.
Hair loss (Alopecia)
Brittle, cracked fingernails
Fatigue
Depression
Numbness in the extremities
Scaly, red rash on face

Biotin is the main supplement used for treating hair loss (alopecia), biotin also aids in the growth of fingernails and works to keep your skin nice and clear. Many dermatologists prescribe supplements with added biotin in them to their patients that have hair loss to boost the amount of biotin in their system to promote hair growth. Extra biotin can be taken by an individual to ensure healthy and strong hair.

Benefits of Biotin
Biotin's most crucial role is in energy metabolism; it acts as a co-enzyme to carry carbon dioxide and is used for fat synthesis.
Biotin helps with the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Biotin is used in hair growth formulas and keeps hair shiny and strong.
Weight loss is another benefit of biotin, as this vitamin is essential in the conversion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy.

Foods that are fortified with Biotin
Egg yolks
Legumes
Liver
Cauliflower
Bananas
Mushrooms
Sardines
All nuts
Brewers yeast, yeast and whole grains are all fortified with biotin.

It is very important to get the daily recommend does of a multi-vitamin including biotin. Not enough people take a daily supplement to ensure that they are receiving the correct dose of vitamins every day. If you are not sure as to which vitamins you should be taking, below is a short list of the most commonly sold vitamins that are on the market today.

Vitamins for Every Day Health
Centrum One a Day (for men and women), they also have a formula dedicated to seniors called Centrum Silver.
Nature Made for Him or Her is another great choice.

References for this article came from www.vitamins-supplements.org and www.vitamins.com