Biotin, also known as B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in various foods like eggs, milk and bananas. It plays a crucial role in cell growth, carbohydrate metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, playing a key role in supporting overall health.

Biotin is involved in metabolic processes related to the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids, while also influencing cell growth and blood sugar levels. People often take biotin supplements for hair loss, brittle nails, and nerve damage. Additionally, biotin is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, improve cognitive function, raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

What is Biotin Deficiency?

Biotin deficiency is rare but can cause issues such as hair loss, skin problems, and neurological symptoms. Although it’s uncommon to have low biotin levels since only a small amount is needed for proper function, it is still possible. Unlike other vitamin deficiencies, there isn’t a reliable lab test for detecting low biotin levels, so it’s best identified through symptoms. These symptoms may include thinning hair, red/scaly rash around the nose, eyes, and mouth, depression, fatigue, hallucinations and tingling sensations in the arms and legs.

Benefits of biotin injections

Biotin IV or IM injections are beneficial for conditions like skin rashes, brittle nails, thinning hair, diabetes, and nerve pain, particularly in cases of acute deficiency. While oral biotin supplements are commonly used to promote hair growth and strengthen nails, injections are more effective when immediate results are desired. Injections allow for maximum absorption of the vitamin directly into the body, bypassing the digestive system’s metabolic processes that can affect the bioavailability of oral supplements.

Precautions/Side Effects

Let us now 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

Source: https://www.olympiapharmacy.com/product/biotin/