Vitamin B7 is also known as Vitamin H and Biotin. It belongs to the group of water soluble B vitamins and plays a vital role in regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the body, thereby producing energy for the body. It is available throughout the body and is dissolved in fluid. It cannot be stored in the body and must be taken in the diet on a daily basis. It works for 14 to 18 hours after consumption and is flushed out through urine. Biotin, the cofactor aids in the metabolism of fatty acids and leucine and actively participates in the process of gluconeogenesis.
It is essential to include this nutrient in the diet on a regular basis as it plays an active role in the synthesis of hemoglobin and red blood cell production that carries oxygen around the body. It also promotes the growth of healthy hair, skin, nails and helps maintain muscle along the walls of the digestive tract. It also helps in manufacturing Pantothenic acid and Vitamin B 12.
Benefits:
Vitamin B7 is essential for the proper functioning of the body in a number of ways:
It is essential for cell growth and the production of fatty acids in the body.
It is known to enhance the metabolism of fats and amino acids.
It helps in the transfer of carbon dioxide.
It plays a crucial role in the citric acid cycle which is the process by which biochemical energy is generated during aerobic respiration.
It helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
It is used for improving the skin, hair, nails and is a major ingredient of various cosmetic products.
Bodybuilders and athletes on raw eggs must consume adequate quantities of biotin in order to avoid any deficiency.
It is known to aid in the maintenance of sweat glands, bone marrow, nerve tissue and helps relieve muscle pain.
Deficiency of Vitamin 7:
Hair Loss: This is one of the most prominent symptoms of the deficiency of biotin. This does not necessarily mean that baldness or alopecia is a sign of this deficiency. Biotin supplements are referred to as natural products that combat the problem of hair loss in children as well as in adults. Hair loss can also include loss of eyelashes and brows in severe cases of deficiency of Biotin.
Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis): children suffering from a rare metabolic disorder phenylketonuria are unable to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. This often results in the development of conditions such as scaly skin, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
Diabetes: Individuals suffering from Type II diabetes have significantly low levels of biotin.
Vitamin B 7 is involved in the synthesis and release of insulin and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
A shortage of this vitamin can result in mental stress, depression, vomiting, nausea, high cholesterol levels, loss of appetite, fatigue etc.
Food sources:
Biotin is present in beef liver, cauliflower, eggs, cheese, mushrooms, chicken, salmon, spinach, brewers yeast, nuts and can be manufactured in the body if a shortage occurs.
Vegetarians are able to absorb more biotin from the gastrointestinal tract than non-vegetarians.
Dosage:
Deficiency of Biotin is extremely rare as intestinal bacteria produce it in excess of the body’s daily requirement. There is no prescribed dosage of the vitamin as such but, it is recommended that pregnant and lactating women meet the daily intake of 0.3 mg per day and adults should also meet the requirement of 0.3 mg per day.
Biotin is popularly known for its effect on hair growth and is widely marketed by various cosmetic and shampoo companies as a hair rejuvenator. Before using any additional supplements, it is recommended that you consult your doctor in order to determine if you require it or not depending upon your body’s specification. For maximum benefits, it is advisable to use it with B-group vitamins along with Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B 5 and sulfur. Biotin is also known to impact the color of hair, together with PABA, folic acid and pantothenic acid. It is known to help graying hair return to its usual color. However, more research is needed in this regard.
Digg 
Delicious
reditt
Stumble Upon
