Description

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a B complex vitamin and cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, amino acid catabolism, gluconeogenesis, and mitochondrial function in hair root cells. It is helpful in boosting energy levels. Biotin serves as a coenzyme for acetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACC)α and ACCβ, propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCC) and pyruvate carboxylase (PC) (2).

Role of biotin in hair, skin and nails

Keratins are a group of tough, fibrous proteins that form the structural framework of epithelial cells, which are cells that line the surfaces and cavities of the body. Epithelial cells make up tissues such as the hair, skin, and nails. Keratins are best known for providing strength and resilience to cells that form the hair, skin, and nails. Another important protein is collagen that helps the skin appear healthy (3).

Deficiency causes problems

Biotin deficiency can either be acquired or congenital but acquired biotin deficiency is very rare. Biotin deficiency was reported in patients complaining of hair loss. Biotin was an effective supplementation for hair regrowth6. Signs of biotin deficiency include hair loss, skin rashes, brittle nails, alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and multiple neurological symptoms, such as depression, lethargy, hypotonia, and seizures (4).

Possible causes of acquired biotin deficiency include malabsorption, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, prolonged use of antibiotics that interrupt normal flora, medications such as valproic acid, and isotretinoin. Studies suggests that 50% of pregnant women are deficient in biotin (5).

Keratin synthesis

Biotin’s function in protein synthesis and specifically, in keratin production. Therefore it contributes to healthy nail and hair growth (4).

Hair loss brittle nails

18 reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes. In all cases, patients had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth. All cases showed evidence of clinical improvement after receiving biotin (4). 3 cases of brittle nail syndrome treated with biotin were found in the literature and each case showed improvement of nail strength (4).

Biotin supplementation is also effective on alopecia, uncombable hair syndrome & brittle nail syndrome (4).

The Unived difference

Unived uses biotin from a 100% natural & plant-based source i.e. Sesbania grandiflora leaves. As it is from a natural, plant-based, & non-GMO source, it is highly absorbable as compared to a synthetic form of biotin.

Evidence-Based or Bust

We use ingredients backed by a significant body of research that is growing each day.

1. Biotin
   Zempleni, J., Wijeratne, S. S., & Hassan, Y. I. (2009). Biotin. BioFactors (Oxford, England), 35(1), 36–46.
2. Biotin and biotinidase deficiency
   Zempleni, J., Hassan, Y. I., & Wijeratne, S. S. (2008). Biotin and biotinidase deficiency. Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism, 3(6), 715–724.
3. The human keratins: biology and pathology
   Moll, R., Divo, M., & Langbein, L. (2008). The human keratins: biology and pathology. Histochemistry and cell biology, 129, 705-733.
4. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss
   Patel, D. P., Swink, S. M., & Castelo-Soccio, L. (2017). A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin appendage disorders, 3(3), 166–169.
5. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
   Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy, 9(1), 51–70.