Many women dream of having long and beautiful hair. The
question is, can biotin (a water-soluble B-complex vitamin) help make hair grow
faster and longer? Although there is a lack of research into the hair-growing properties
of this B-Complex vitamin, what is known is that a deficiency of this vitamin
can lead to hair loss, thin and brittle hair, and split ends. When hair is
unhealthy, it becomes fragile, breaking easily, and tending to fall out. Biotin
is found in nuts, egg yolks, fish, raspberries, soy, and
whole-wheat bread. It may also be taken in supplement form, although the body’s
gastrointestinal bacteria should produce ample amounts of this
vitamin. Biotin is nevertheless generally associated with hair growth and
consequently longer hair.
So, what is biotin? Biotin, or vitamin B7 or vitamin H,
plays an important part in cell production, particularly protein creation: hair is made of the protein keratin. Biotin reacts with cell
enzymes, creating amino acids, which in turn creates protein.
What Is The Impact Of Biotin?
The scalp has around 300 000 hair follicles, with 90% in the
growing phase (split between the active and intermediate stages) and 10% in a
resting phase, in which no hair growth occurs. Each day, about 150 hairs are
shed. Taking vitamins such as biotin can assist the growth of hair. Therefore, consuming biotin is vital to ensure that your hair receives sufficient protein
to keep it healthy and growing. However, this vitamin works better if it is
combined with ingesting zinc and topical clobetasol propionate. Many shampoos
contain biotin, which is said to treat scalp conditions such as dryness and
flakiness. By keeping the hair follicles healthy, the hair growth process may
be enhanced.
How Much Biotin Should You Take Daily?
On average, you should ingest sufficient vitamin B7 by
eating a healthy, balanced diet; biotin is also produced in the gut.
Supplementation is therefore normally not needed. In addition, the US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a recommended daily dietary allowance
for this vitamin. Some researchers suggest that 35 to 70 micrograms daily
should suffice, although the Oregon State University’s research indicates that
up to 30 micrograms daily should be a safe dose. Still, biotin supplementation
is normally only suggested for pregnant women or nursing mothers, those with a
biotin deficiency, smokers, and people on kidney dialysis. Nonetheless, taking
some biotin can help to maximize the chance of faster-growing hair.
The Bottom Line
Biotin is relatively safe to use, with limited chances of an
overdose or toxicity, even if a high dosage is used. Taking this vitamin does not
assure hair growth, but it is associated with faster hair growth. However, eating a diet containing the right vitamins, proteins, and minerals is essential to allow optimal hair growth conditions; also, high stress levels are
unhelpful. Adding biotin to the diet is likely to make your hair grow faster
and stronger. A restricted diet and raised stress levels mitigate against
faster hair growth.

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