Team Vitamineule
1. Biotin and diabetes: is there a connection?
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is often used in dietary supplements and for cosmetic purposes such as supporting hair, skin and nail health. In diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, metabolism is severely affected as the body is no longer able to use insulin effectively or does not produce enough insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Research has been conducted to see if there is a link between biotin and improving blood sugar regulation in diabetics. Some studies suggest that biotin, especially when combined with chromium, may help improve blood sugar levels in some people with type 2 diabetes by reducing gluconeogenesis in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity. However, there are also studies that have found no significant effect of biotin alone on blood sugar or diabetes control, so the results are mixed and more extensive research is needed to draw clearer conclusions. Therefore, people with diabetes should always consult their doctor before supplementing with biotin or other supplements to ensure it is safe and appropriate. Overall, biotin is an important nutrient that has potential health benefits, but its role in diabetes management remains to be further researched.
2. Who is particularly dependent on biotin?
Biotin is an essential vitamin that is important for every person, but there are certain groups that may have increased needs or are more likely to be deficient. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are among these groups because needs increase during these times due to increased metabolic demands. Deficiency can cause health problems in pregnant women that could affect fetal growth and development. Individuals with genetic conditions such as biotinidase deficiency also rely heavily on supplemental biotin. Biotinidase deficiency prevents the body from being able to reuse biotin, which can lead to chronic deficiency if not corrected through supplementation. This can result in neurological and dermatological symptoms. People with long-term use of certain medications such as antiepileptic drugs or antibiotics may also be at increased risk for biotin deficiency because these medications can interfere with biotin absorption or impair biotin metabolism. Additionally, individuals with chronic bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may have problems absorbing biotin from food, which can lead to deficiency. In such cases, supplementation may be necessary to maintain proper biotin levels in the body.
3. How can the daily requirement be met?
To meet your daily biotin needs through food, it is useful to follow a varied diet rich in biotin-containing foods. The daily requirement for adults is around 30 to 50 micrograms of biotin. Here are some foods that are particularly rich in biotin and can help meet this need:
- Egg yolk: One large egg can contain about 10 micrograms of biotin. Eggs are one of the best sources of this vitamin, however, it is important to consume the yolk as most of the biotin is found in the yolk.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts and peanuts as well as sunflower seeds are good sources of biotin. A serving of about 30 grams can provide between 5 to 10 micrograms of biotin.
- Liver: Beef or chicken liver is extremely rich in biotin. About 75 grams of cooked liver can contain up to 30 micrograms or more of biotin, which is more than the daily requirement.
- Whole grains: Products such as whole grain breads, oatmeal, and brown rice contain moderate amounts of biotin. Biotin content may vary depending on the product, but whole grains are a good addition to a biotin-rich diet.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese and yogurt contain biotin in smaller amounts. As part of a balanced diet, they can help meet biotin needs.
- Vegetables: Certain vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and broccoli also contain biotin, although in smaller amounts than the previously mentioned foods.
- By integrating these foods into your daily diet, you can meet your biotin needs, which is especially important because your body cannot store biotin and relies on regular intake.
4. Biotin in the form of dietary supplements
If you want to increase a low biotin level with a dietary supplement, you should definitely pay attention to the form of the active ingredient and its origin. Biotin capsules are particularly suitable for increasing biotin levels. They are very well tolerated and are utilized by the body to a high degree. The preparation should also not contain any chemical additives such as microcrystalline cellulose. If you buy a preparation from Germany, you can be sure that the product has also been produced safely and is of high quality.
Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Biotin capsules
In our online shop you will find our biotin capsules from Vitamineule®, which are completely free of artificial additives. Vitamineule® biotin capsules contain 10,000 µg of plant-based vitamin B7 per capsule. Each can contains 90 capsules. In addition to fast and free shipping, we offer a voluntary six-month return guarantee for all products.
5. Conclusion: Biotin and diabetes: is there a connection?
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays an essential role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and could therefore have an influence on blood sugar levels. Research suggests that biotin in higher doses can have positive effects on blood sugar regulation in diabetes by supporting gluconeogenesis and improving insulin sensitivity. This suggests that supplementing the diet with biotin could be beneficial, especially for people with diabetes, to support glucose metabolism and regulate blood sugar levels. In view of this, the use of biotin in the form of dietary supplements seems to be a sensible measure, especially if daily intake through the normal diet is not sufficient. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting such supplementation to clarify the individual dosage and possible interactions with other medications.