Basics Biotin

Healthy hair is the attribute of healthy people looking
after themselves and taking good care of themselves. But hair fall is an
inevitable process as it is a part of the body’s natural process as the hair is
under constant hair growth and shedding cycle. But various physiological and
psychological conditions may offset the normal hair cycle and may result in
weak, and brittle hair leading to excess hair fall than normal [1].

In physiological conditions on the head, there is 80% of the
hair in the course of growing (anagen), 1% in the period of involution of the
hair follicle (catagen), and the rest of the percentage is hair in the rest
period (telogen). Depending on various factors, the number and density of
women’s hair might change. Daily loss of hair should not exceed 70-100 hair,
but it becomes a problem when the loss is higher than 100 daily during a period
longer than a few weeks [1].

Various reasons contribute to hair fall like stress,
underlying illness, poor nutrition, etc. A study indicates that Biotin
deficiency was found in 38% of women complaining of hair loss. About 11% of
patients with biotin deficiency had a positive personal history of risk factors
for biotin deficiency [13].

Hair loss is a common problem that may be improved with
vitamin and mineral supplementation. Vitamins and minerals are important for
normal cell growth and function and may contribute to hair loss when they are
deficient. While supplementation is relatively affordable and easily
accessible, it is important to know which vitamins and minerals are helpful in
treating hair loss [1]. Unived BASICS Biotin provides you with the right blend
of required vitamins and minerals that may promote healthy hair, skin, and
nails.

Our Formulation

Unived’s Basics Biotin is made with Nutraceuticals that are
involved in maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. It has 100% RDA Biotin:
25mcg from Sesbania grandiflora, Vitamin C as ascorbic acid: 80mg, Zinc
citrate: 57mg, Vitamin E (Naturall-e™) as d-alpha-tocopherol from soya
oilseeds: 30.5mg, and vitamin A as beta carotene from Blakeslea trispora: 30mg.

Mode of Action:

Biotin

• Plays an active role in keratin synthesis, hence it
  contributes to healthy nails and hair growth.
• Nails: Studies have shown that when a sample group with
  brittle nails is supplemented with biotin there is a considerable increase in
  the thickness of the nails.
• Hair growth: Due to the presence of sulfur it lowers sebum
  secretion and activates hair growth.

Vitamin C

• Collagen synthesis: It is involved in the hydroxylation of
  proline and lysine resulting in the conversion of procollagen to collagen.
• Exhibits anti-wrinkle activity: It promotes the production
  of collagen and elastin, thus improving the elasticity of the skin.
• Promotes antioxidant production and inhibits the production
  of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis triggered by UV light and other
  environmental factors.
• Reduces hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and skin
  discoloration. It inhibits melanogenesis. Melanin is a natural skin pigment
  produced for photoprotection, however excess pigmentation of melanin results in
  hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C regulates melanin synthesis
  by inhibiting excess production and works in synergy with vitamin E.

Zinc citrate

• Photoprotection: The antioxidant activity of zinc protects
  the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals generated as a result of UV
  radiation or other environmental factors.
• Differentiation of keratinocytes: The ZIP2 protein is a zinc
  transporter that is involved in the differentiation of keratinocytes [6].
• Skin health: Zinc ensures the proper functioning of the
  mucous membrane of the skin. It plays a role in the formation of new cells
  modulating apoptosis and aging.

Vitamin E

• Scavenges free radicals: Its antioxidant activity helps
  scavenge free radicals and prevents DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen
  species (ROS) which retards and prevents the development of skin cancer. It
  slows aging by preventing lipid peroxidation.
• Reduces hyperpigmentation: Studies have shown
  alpha-tocopherol supplementation to suppress melanogenesis and reduce
  hyperpigmentation mainly caused by increased sun exposure.
• It has been shown to have photoprotective, anti-aging, and
  hydrating properties. It reduces redness and inflammation occurring due to UV
  exposure. It also stimulates elastin and collagen production.

Vitamin A

• Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and has a role in
  improving skin health.
• Cell proliferation: It has roles in the proliferation of
  keratinocytes and fibroblasts which stimulates collagen synthesis.
• Photoprotection: Carotenoids like beta carotene and lycopene
  exhibit photoprotective properties by preventing sunburn-associated erythema
  followed by UV exposure.
• Improves skin surface. Studies have shown to improve skin
  texture by reducing scaling and roughness. It also affects the thickness and
  density of the skin.

References:

1. Almohanna, Hind M., et al. "The role of vitamins and
minerals in hair loss: a review." Dermatology and therapy 9.1 (2019):
51-70.

2. Goluch-Koniuszy, Zuzanna Sabina. "Nutrition of women
with hair loss problem during the period of menopause." Menopause
Review/Przegląd Menopauzalny 15.1 (2016): 56-61.

3. Heinrich, U., et al. "Antioxidant supplements
improve parameters related to skin structure in humans." Skin pharmacology
and physiology 19.4 (2006): 224-231.

4. Hochman, L. G., R. K. Scher, and M. S. Meyerson.
"Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation." Cutis 51.4
(1993): 303-305.

5. Hosking, Anna-Marie, Margit Juhasz, and Natasha
Atanaskova Mesinkovska. "Complementary and alternative treatments for
alopecia: a comprehensive review." Skin appendage disorders 5.2 (2019):
72-89.

6. Inoue, Yu, et al. "ZIP2 protein, a zinc transporter,
is associated with keratinocyte differentiation." Journal of Biological
Chemistry 289.31 (2014): 21451-21462.

7. Maret, Wolfgang. "Zinc biochemistry: from a single
zinc enzyme to a key element of life." Advances in nutrition 4.1 (2013):
82-91.

8. Michalak, Monika, et al. "Bioactive compounds for
skin health: A review." Nutrients 13.1 (2021): 203.

9. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021).
Pubchem compound summary for CID 11023. Zinc citrate. Retrieved December 20,
2021

10. Ogawa, Youichi, et al. "Zinc and skin
disorders." Nutrients 10.2 (2018): 199.

11. Patel, Deepa P., Shane M. Swink, and Leslie
Castelo-Soccio. "A review of the use of biotin for hair loss." Skin
appendage disorders 3.3 (2017): 166-169.

12. Pullar, Juliet M., Anitra C. Carr, and Margreet CM
Vissers. "The roles of vitamin C in skin health." Nutrients 9.8
(2017): 866.

13. Trüeb RM. Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of
Hair Loss. Int J Trichology. 2016 Apr-Jun;8(2):73-7. doi:
10.4103/0974-7753.188040. PMID: 27601860; PMCID: PMC4989391.