It is no coincidence that the name ‘biotin’ (vitamin B7) derives from the Greek ‘bios’ (βίος), which means ‘life’. Because it is precisely life, vitality and a healthy glow that this vitamin can breathe into your skin, hair and nails. If you give it a chance, they will truly come to life… quite literally. Dull will become radiant, brittle will become strong, and tired will be full of vitality (every woman’s dream). And this is by no means a placebo effect, but a reality backed by science. Studies confirm that biotin is important for keratin metabolism and enzyme activity, and that it influences blood glucose levels. It is a vitamin that provides the body with exactly what it needs from within to make a visible difference on the outside.
Effect Biotin supplementation
💇♀️ HAIR GROWTH Keratin stimulation, healthy hair follicles
💅 STRONG NAILS Reduced brittleness, stronger structure
✨ HEALTHY SKIN Improved skin hydration and elasticity
💥 ENERGY Supports metabolism – glucose → ATP
🧠 MENTAL WELL-BEING Neurotransmitter balance = less fatigue
🩸 BLOOD GLUCOSE Helps regulate blood sugar levels
🤰 PREGNANCY Foetal development, prevention of birth defects
Vitamin B7 can help ‘save’ your hair; in one of the most frequently cited studies, women suffering from hair thinning took biotin for 90 days and as many as 86 per cent of them noticed an improvement in hair density. It may be beneficial for those suffering from pathological hair breakage syndrome and uncombable hair syndrome, as products containing biotin strengthen the hair and make it shinier. It is also used to treat nail conditions such as trachyonychia – rough nail plates – and rough nails associated with alopecia. Studies have shown that biotin supplements can improve these conditions and enhance the strength, hardness and thickness of the nails.
What about vitamin B7 as a fat burner? Well, yes, actually. It plays a part in the activity of enzymes that break down fatty acids, thereby speeding up fat burning and the conversion of food into energy. The brain simply won’t function properly without it: a biotin deficiency can cause lethargy, depression and memory problems. A study published in *The Journal of Nutrition* showed that a biotin deficiency reduces the synthesis of neurotransmitters. This means that biotin also ensures we have sufficient vitality and mental well-being. In infants, for example, this vitamin is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system, which is why it is added to many infant formulas. Human cells cannot synthesise vitamin B7. However, bacteria in the body can produce it, and this vitamin is also found in food. It even helps maintain stable blood sugar levels: research suggests that it improves glucose tolerance and may help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Are you wondering whether you might have a biotin deficiency? The answer is yes – for example, if you eat too many raw eggs (as avidin binds to biotin, thereby preventing its absorption by the body). It also occurs in people with malabsorption disorders (e.g. Crohn’s disease), during pregnancy, and following long-term use of antibiotics. Symptoms of a deficiency in this vitamin include hair loss, rashes, fatigue, depression and a weakened immune system. Today, vitamin B7 is often included in so-called ‘beauty supplements’ for hair, skin and nails. According to the European Food Safety Authority, biotin is safe even at higher doses (any excess is excreted by the body in urine). This small vitamin has a major impact, as it regulates countless processes in the body. It also plays an important role in helping enzymes break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins in food. It helps regulate the signals sent by cells and gene activity.
It helps us to be healthier, more beautiful, more energetic and feel great… all without any side effects. No wonder it’s also known as the ‘beauty vitamin’. If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to Dr. Lucullus® Vitamin B7.
