Biotin is Vitamin B7, which is one of water-soluble vitamin b complex- a group of key nutrients needed for healthy metabolic, nerve and digestive functions. Because of its association with healthy hair, skin and nails, biotin is known as “the beauty vitamin”. Therefore, biotin is commonly found in many cosmetic and health products for the skin and hair. However, biotin cannot be absorbed through hair or skin. Biotin can be taken from beef, soybeans and egg yolk. Also, it is one of the vitamins that are synthesized by beneficial bacteria in the human gut. Therefore, deficiency is rare. However, abuse of alcohol, intestinal problems and pregnancy increase the risk of deficiency, and the consequence is usually more severe than other vitamin deficiencies. A deficiency of biotin mainly affects the skin and hair, with symptoms such as hairloss, dermatitis, grayish skin colour, and rash around the nose and mouth. Biotin acts as a coenzyme in the body that’s needed for the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids and glucose. This means that when we eat food that are sources of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, Vitamin B7 biotin must be present in order to convert and use these macronutrients for bodily energy.
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