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1. Which vitamins does biotin belong to?
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, belongs to the group of B vitamins, which play a crucial role in the body's metabolism. The B vitamins are water-soluble and are involved in a variety of biochemical processes, especially in the conversion of nutrients into energy. Within this group of vitamins, biotin has a specific function that makes it indispensable for the human organism. Biotin is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It acts as a coenzyme for various carboxylase enzymes involved in the conversion of food into usable energy. Another important feature of biotin is its role in the synthesis of fatty acids and gluconeogenesis, the process by which glucose is obtained from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids. These functions make biotin an integral part of energy metabolism and the maintenance of blood sugar levels. In addition to its functions in energy metabolism, biotin also has a significant role in maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. It supports the production of keratin, a protein that is the main component of hair, skin and nails. For this reason, biotin is often used in supplements and skin and hair care products. Like all B vitamins, biotin cannot be produced in sufficient quantities by the body and must therefore be obtained through diet. Good sources of biotin include foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, some vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, and whole grains. Biotin deficiency is rare, but can occur in certain conditions such as long-term use of antibiotics or excessive consumption of raw eggs, which contain avidin, a protein that binds biotin and prevents its absorption. In summary, biotin is an essential B vitamin that performs a variety of important functions in the human body, especially in the area of metabolism and the health of skin, hair and nails. Its role as a coenzyme in various biochemical processes makes it an indispensable nutrient that should be consumed through the daily diet.
2. Biotin - an important coenzyme in metabolism
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a central role as a coenzyme in the metabolism of the human body. It belongs to the group of B vitamins and is essential for numerous biochemical processes that are crucial for the growth and maintenance of healthy cells. As a coenzyme, biotin functions in particular in enzymatic reactions that are necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It helps to convert macronutrients into usable energy for the body and is therefore an essential component of energy metabolism. In carbohydrate metabolism, biotin contributes to gluconeogenesis, a process in which glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids. This is especially important during periods of fasting or on a low-carbohydrate diet when the supply of glucose from food is insufficient. In addition, biotin plays a significant role in fatty acid metabolism by acting as a coenzyme in fatty acid synthesis, contributing to the formation of fatty acids, which in turn are needed as energy stores and as structural components of cell membranes. In protein metabolism, biotin is essential for the breakdown of amino acids and helps convert them into energy or other vital compounds. Biotin is also known for skin, hair and nail health. It promotes the growth and strengthening of hair follicles and nail cells and supports skin health by promoting the production of fatty acids necessary for the skin barrier. A lack of biotin can lead to brittle nails, hair loss and skin rashes. Although severe biotin deficiency is rare, certain factors, such as genetic defects in biotin metabolism, excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of antibiotics or consumption of raw egg whites, can lead to insufficient biotin absorption and thus deficiency symptoms. Biotin is absorbed mainly through food. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, nuts, seeds, organ meats such as liver, fish, meat, whole grains, and certain vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. Although the daily requirement for biotin is not clearly established, estimates suggest that it is around 30 to 100 micrograms per day for adults. The body does not have significant stores of biotin, so regular intake is necessary. Excess biotin is usually excreted in the urine because it is water-soluble and the body only uses the amount it needs. In medicine, biotin is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to treat hair loss and brittle nails, although the effectiveness of such supplements in well-nourished populations is not clearly established. However, for people with an established deficiency or genetic defects in biotin metabolism, biotin supplements can be extremely useful. Research also shows that biotin plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and may therefore be of interest to people with diabetes, although more studies are needed here to draw definitive conclusions. In summary, biotin is a vital vitamin that functions as a coenzyme in various metabolic processes. It supports the conversion of nutrients into energy, promotes healthy skin, hair and nails, and is important for numerous other physiological functions. A balanced diet rich in biotin-containing foods usually provides adequate supplies, while supplements may be helpful for specific medical conditions. Biotin is thus a key component of metabolism and general health.
3. Causes of biotin deficiency
Biotin deficiency can have a variety of causes, both external and internal factors. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is crucial for the health of skin, hair and nails, as well as for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Although biotin deficiency is relatively rare, it can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the main causes of biotin deficiency is an unbalanced diet. Biotin is found in many foods, such as eggs, nuts, seeds, liver, avocados and salmon. If these foods are missing from the daily diet or are consumed in too small quantities, it can lead to a deficiency. It becomes particularly problematic when people follow extremely one-sided diets, such as diets with a very low proportion of fresh foods or so-called crash diets in which certain food groups are completely excluded. Vegan or vegetarian diets can also lead to biotin deficiency if not carefully planned, as some of the biotin-rich foods are found primarily in animal products. Another reason for biotin deficiency can be regular consumption of raw eggs. Raw eggs contain the protein avidin, which binds to biotin and prevents its absorption in the intestines. As a result, excessive consumption of raw eggs means the body cannot absorb enough biotin, which can lead to deficiency over a long period of time. However, this is rather rare, as most people eat eggs in a cooked or otherwise prepared form that deactivates the avidin. Medical conditions and certain medications can also contribute to biotin deficiency. Conditions that affect the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or leaky gut syndrome, can significantly impair the absorption of biotin in the intestines. In addition, certain medications such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants (anti-seizure drugs), and some antidepressants can disrupt gut flora or affect metabolism, causing less biotin to be absorbed or more biotin to be excreted by the body. Genetic factors also play a role. There are rare genetic disorders, such as biotinidase deficiency disease, in which the body cannot properly reuse biotin. Affected people usually need to take biotin supplements for life to prevent deficiency. Although rare, these genetic disorders have a significant impact on biotin levels and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems. Another important factor is the increased need for biotin during certain stages of life or under certain circumstances. Pregnant and breastfeeding women often have an increased need for biotin because the body needs more nutrients during this time. Severe stress, intense physical activity, or prolonged illness can also increase the need for biotin. If this need is not met, a deficiency can occur. In summary, biotin deficiency can be caused by a combination of dietary factors, medical conditions, genetic predispositions, and special life circumstances. It is important to follow a balanced diet that contains adequate biotin and to be aware of the potential risks that certain lifestyle habits and health conditions may pose. Early detection and treatment of biotin deficiency are crucial to avoid serious health complications.
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: Which vitamins does biotin belong to?
Biotin is one of the B vitamins and is also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in metabolism, especially in the utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Biotin also supports the health of skin, hair and nails and is essential for the functioning of the nervous system.