When you’re healthy on the inside, it shines through in your outer appearance. While professional hair products, expensive skincare, and monthly nail appointments can make a difference in how you look, nothing makes an impact like getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
You’ve likely heard of biotin before — a B complex vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. While it’s possible to get biotin through a healthy diet, studies show that adding a supplement with biotin to your diet has a positive impact on your health and wellness.
Biotin is known to support liver health, regulate blood sugar levels, and even support embryo growth for pregnant women — but did you know biotin can enhance the appearance of your hair, skin, and nails, too?
Is longer, shinier hair on your mind? Are you looking for ways to get glowing, balanced skin and sturdy nails? Getting biotin into your diet is an easy way to give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive. Here’s why you should consider how much biotin your body is getting (and if you may need to supplement it with a multivitamin).
Some Background on Biotin
Biotin — sometimes called Vitamin H — is a B complex vitamin. In short, there are eight B complex vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, folate (or folic acid), vitamin B12, and, of course, biotin. While many of these are found in common diets, it’s important to supplement them where there are deficiencies for optimal health. Eggs, seeds, nuts, and red meat are known to contain biotin, but even if you’re consuming foods like these weekly, it may still be in your best interest to supplement the vitamin to support your body’s health and wellness.
Biotin is Water-Soluble
Biotin is water-soluble and metabolizes fats, protein, and carbohydrates consumed through food, turning them into energy. Since biotin is water-soluble, it can’t be stored in the body — making it even more important to consume enough daily through multivitamin supplements or diet adjustments.
Biotin Deficiency
Having a biotin deficiency leads to other health issues, and while biotin deficiency isn’t necessarily common, it’s important to consider it as a factor if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Hair loss or alopecia
- Red and scaly rashes in different parts of the body (anus, eyes, nose, and mouth)
- Eczema
- Brittle and thin nails
- Thinning hair
- Conjunctivitis (sometimes referred to as pink eye)
- Pins and needles sensation
Some people are more prone to biotin deficiency than others, so if you fall into any of the following categories, consider boosting your biotin intake:
- People who have been fed through intravenous for long periods of time.
- People who take anti-seizure medication regularly.
- Alcoholics/regular alcohol consumers. Alcohol inhibits the body’s ability to absorb biotin.
For the record, these symptoms don’t always point to biotin deficiency. If you’re experiencing any of the conditions above, talk to a doctor about your diet and vitamin intake.
Other Nutrients for Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails
If you’re focused on getting healthier hair, skin, and nails, biotin isn’t the only vitamin you need to thrive. Supplementing other vitamins — like vitamin A and vitamin C — can have a huge impact on your outward appearance, too.
Vitamin A supports cell growth in our bodies, which leads to stronger, faster-growing hair and nails. Vitamin A adds moisture to the scalp, creating “sebum”, an oily, waxy substance that prevents dryness and scabbing.
Vitamin C is another crucial nutrient for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Acting as an antioxidant against free radicals that cause damage by blocking cell growth, a vitamin C deficiency can lead to damaged, aging hair — a problem most of us would like to avoid.
Supplementing Vitamins for Stronger Hair, Skin, and Nails
So, as you can see, biotin is quite a powerhouse when it comes to maintaining healthier hair, skin, and nails. Beyond biotin, vitamin E, Iron, and Zinc are all important nutrients when it comes to healthy hair, skin, and nails, too. Think your diet could use a vitamin boost? Discover how a multivitamin, specifically designed for women or for men, can help you radiate health from the inside out.