What Are the Benefits of Biotin Supplements?

Biotin, one of the B-complex vitamins, is essential to healthy skin and proper functioning of the intestines and nervous system. Most adults get enough biotin through a healthy diet and do not require additional supplements.

Function

• Biotin is critical to the metabolism of fat and sugar. Without biotin, the processes involving these enzymes can effect functioning of the skin, nervous system and intestinal track, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Benefits

• Biotin is essential to healthy skin because it helps with proper fat production. It also ensures the body has enough energy through its role in metabolizing sugar.

Effects

• Lack of biotin can lead to skin-related problems, hair loss and muscle cramps. Seizures also have been linked to biotin deficiencies.

Misconceptions

• Biotin is commonly found in products promoting hair growth, but this claim is not supported by any medical studies. There also is not enough evidence to support that biotin helps heal brittle fingernails.

Considerations

• The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults is 300 micrograms per day. As a water-soluble vitamin, biotin is not stored in the body, and there is less of a risk of toxicity when compared with fat-soluble vitamins. There is no upper tolerable limit intake for biotin, as determined by the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences.

  According to WHFoods, almost half of all pregnant women might be biotin deficient in the first and third trimesters. Biotin deficiencies can lead to birth defects and skin problems, including cradle cap in infants.