Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on February 11, 2022

Many of us have had that look of disappointment where we found strands of hair lying on the back of our t-shirt or on the pillow right after we woke up. We've heard that alarming voice in our heads reminding us that this is happening more frequently than before! Those of us who know this feeling know the importance of losing hair. 

Hair has a significant role in building our self-esteem and self-confidence. To lose it adds a massive burden on our shoulders. Many factors result in losing or thinning hair: Stress, hereditary genes, age, medications, sudden weight loss, poor nutrition, and many more.

Scientists have been looking for supplements and treatments over the years to promote hair growth. Vitamin D and B vitamins are among those. 

Though the results of all the efforts are not up to our expectations, there are still lots of things we can try to slow down the hair loss process at least, and at times reverse and reclaim our hair!

One of the most heard vitamins to help hair growth is biotin, also known as vitamin H! For sure, you have noticed it on different hair supplements and shampoos. 

This article will give a thorough look at what biotin is and how it impacts hair growth. Read to the end to learn more.

There are different natural, unprocessed foods that can supply the daily dosage of various vitamins, including biotin.

What's Biotin?

Biotin, also called vitamin H, B-7, or coenzyme R., is one of the many in the B vitamins family! It helps our body convert certain nutrients into energy, like fats and carbohydrates. Biotin is vital for the health of hair, skin, and nail. 

There is no easy way to detect the level of biotin in our bodies. So, the symptoms, like red rashes or thinning hair, are the most common ways to determine if there is enough of this vitamin in our system or not.

Biotin Vs. Hair Growth

Hair is made of a protein called keratin. What biotin does for hair is to enable keratin production and follicle growth. Although, there is not enough evidence, or published research, for scientists to conclude that biotin has a significant role in hair growth or even stopping hair loss. 

Let's be clear here: The biotin supplements that people take have proven highly beneficial to hair growth. Though, there are other ingredients in the supplements as well as biotin. As a result, the impact of biotin alone cannot be concluded with certainty. 

These days, thanks to technology, there are services like UPGUYS, where you can easily connect to licensed physicians in Canada from the comfort of your home, and start your treatment.

How Common Is Biotin Deficiency

Biotin is water-soluble. It means that this vitamin cannot be stored in our body, neither is it produced there. Only the bacteria in the stomach, intestinal flora, can make it. 

Although this vitamin is not stored for long in our system, biotin deficiency is very rare. A normal, healthy diet usually contains food that supplies more than enough vitamins for our bodies in a natural way. 

On the rare occasion that a body doesn't get enough biotin, there is a possibility of some side effects, that include:

• hair loss
• red rashes on the skin
• scaly skin
• dry eyes
• brittle hair
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• fatigue
• insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• depression
• burning or tingling feeling in the hands and feet
• muscle pain
• frequent upset stomach
• cracking in the corners of the mouth
• seizures
• difficulty walking

The reasons behind biotin deficiency, no matter how rare, include problems in the stomach, certain medications (like antibiotics and anti-seizure drugs), everlasting dieting, IV feeding, and genetics.  

Biotin is essential for the health of every person. But, it's particularly critical to certain groups of people:

Pregnant women: Doctors might encourage expecting women to take food or supplements that contain biotin. Biotin deficiency in pregnancy results in birth defects. There are blood tests done during pregnancy to ensure the biotin levels in women. 

IV feeding: People using tubes for feeding might be needing biotin supplements if the doctor sees fit. The reason is that it is harder for biotin to absorb with tubes. 

Certain medications: As mentioned above, antibiotics and anti-seizure medications can cause biotin deficiency. The reason is that antibiotics destroy the bacteria in the stomach. This bacteria is responsible for producing biotin naturally. Consequently, our bodies won't have enough biotin without them. Anti-seizure drugs also prevent the vitamins from being absorbed, and hence, the deficiency happens. 

Remember: Your physician is the best person to decide if you need to take biotin or any other medication. 

To Biotin, or Not To Biotin

The daily intake of biotin differs according to different ages. Remember to check the best dosage for you with your healthcare provider. But, generally speaking, the daily dosage of biotin for adults is about 30 to 100 micrograms (mcg) per day. In contrast, a child should be taking about five mcg and an expecting mother, about 35 mcg.

Now, the question that remains is how to add biotin to your diet. It's straightforward! There are different foods that can supply the daily dosage of various vitamins, including biotin. The only point to remember while using natural food as resources of vitamins and minerals is that they should not be processed since processing ruins most of the good things in foods. The following contain large amounts of biotin:

• egg yolk, especially cooked
• nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, and walnuts
• organ meats, such as liver or kidney
• soybeans and other legumes
• whole grains
• bananas
• cauliflower
• mushrooms
• dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt
• seafood

Apart from the foods you can have to get to your daily intake, there are supplements available. Biotin is found in multivitamins and individual pills in different dosages. Consult with your family doctor to figure out what dosage meets your needs. 

Side Effects of Biotin

Biotin, like any other pill, has some side effects. Although the side effects of biotin are really minor, you can easily avoid them if you take them with food. The side effects include:

• nausea
• cramping
• diarrhea

What Else Is Biotin Good for?

Prenatal health: Biotin is necessary for women who are pregnant. Expecting women need to have biotin-rich foods on a daily basis. 

Of course, like every other person, expecting mothers should also consult with their doctors to make the best decision.

Controlling blood sugar: Biotin is also useful for people with diabetes. It might help with the level of blood sugar. Consult with your doctor if you have diabetes and need to know more. 

Managing cholesterol: Biotin is also helpful to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) in our bodies. 

Reducing inflammation: Research shows that the deficiency in biotin results in inflammation.

Treatments for Hair Loss

A lot of people indeed make baldness look good. They look their best after losing all their hair. But, not all people need to live with losing hair and accepting the new look, regardless of how well it fits them. The truth is that the stress of "having to live with hair loss" causes most people to freeze and never consider any treatments for their hair. It's like they feel more comfortable giving up altogether and not stressing about it at all. 

Do not waste the golden time and start the treatment right away if you are losing your hair. The changes you can make to your food intake and lifestyle are all extremely beneficial and necessary. But there are other treatments also available that your physician might think is appropriate for you, including:

• Minoxidil
• Finasteride
• Finasteride + Minoxidil

Start Today

The sooner you start taking care of your health, in general, the better. It is valid for literally anything in life. Your hair is not an exception to this rule. If you are worried that you, or your loved one, are losing hair, start searching and seek professional help right away. 

These days, thanks to technology, there are services like UPGUYS, where you can easily connect to licensed physicians in Canada from anywhere you want. You don't have to go to the doctor's office or wait in line in the pharmacy to get your medicine. It's all very convenient, fast, and discreet. The medications are all discreetly packed and delivered to you in a couple of days. UPGUYS covers all of Canada.

Click here to start the process today: 

• Fill out a preliminary questionnaire, 
• A doctor will call you in a couple of days,
• The physician issues a prescription,
• UPGUYS receives the prescription, and the Care Team prepares it, and
• It will be delivered to your preferred address in no time.