Overview
Biotin, also known as B7, is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods such as eggs, milk, and bananas. This vitamin is important for overall health, and plays a role in cell growth, carbohydrate metabolism, and fatty acid synthesis. Biotin is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes primarily related to the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. It also influences cell growth and may help in maintaining blood sugar levels. Biotin is commonly supplemented for multiple conditions, such as hair loss, brittle nails, and nerve damage. Biotin is also thought to reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol and decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol.
What Is Biotin Prescribed For?
Biotin is indicated in those with low biotin levels. Biotin deficiencies are rare, but can cause hair loss, skin problems, and neurological issues. It is unusual to be deficient in biotin since only a small amount is needed to function properly. However, it is possible. Unlike other vitamin deficiency screenings, there isn’t a good laboratory test for detecting low biotin levels. Therefore, biotin deficiency is best identified by symptoms. Symptoms may include thinning hair; red/scaly rash around the nose, eyes, and mouth; depression; tiredness; hallucinations; and tingling of the arms and legs. While oral biotin supplements are a popular option for those looking to strengthen hair and nails, biotin injections are preferable in cases of acute deficiency. For maximum vitamin absorption, injections are much more efficient and reliable than oral supplements. Biotin IV or injection treatments allow the body to absorb the compounds directly, while the bioavailability of oral supplements is affected and reduced by one’s metabolism when passing through the digestive system.
Other Uses
Biotin may improve conditions such as skin rashes, brittle nails, thinning hair, diabetes, or nerve pain.
Dosage, Concentration, Route of Administration
Dosage: Seek advice from an appropriately qualified and licensed physician, medical director or other healthcare provider
Concentration: 0.5mg/ml
Route of administration: IV, IM
Precautions/Side Effects
Speak with your healthcare provider if you are currently taking certain medications that can lower your blood levels of biotin, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone. Although there are no risks in adding biotin to your diet or regimen, it is always important to check with your doctor before adding any new supplementation to your routine. Since biotin is water-soluble, any extra in your body flushes out through the urine, so overdose is highly unlikely. If you develop any unusual or unexpected rashes, see your doctor as this may be sign of an overdose. In this case, dosages will need to be adjusted.
Some common side effects include:
- – Nausea
- – Abdominal pain or cramping
- – Diarrhea
Storage
Store at controlled room temperate. Protect from light.
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