What Is Biotin and Why Is It Important for the Body?
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What Is Biotin and Why Is It Important for the Body?
Biotin is one of those vitamins people often hear about, especially when hair or nail problems start to appear. It’s usually mentioned in the context of hair supplements, but its role in the body goes far beyond that.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It helps the body convert food into energy and plays a key role in keeping the skin, hair, nails, and nervous system functioning properly. Because the body doesn’t store biotin for long periods, it needs to be taken regularly through diet or supplements.
At Lygos Clinic, we often meet patients who assume biotin is only about hair growth. In reality, it supports several essential processes inside the body.
What Does Biotin Actually Do?
Biotin helps enzymes break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In simple terms, it helps your body use what you eat. Without enough biotin, this process slows down, which can affect overall energy levels and tissue health.
For hair, skin, and nails, biotin supports the production of keratin, a protein that forms the basic structure of hair strands and nails. When biotin levels are balanced, hair tends to feel stronger and nails break less easily.
How to Get Biotin Naturally
Many people get enough biotin without realizing it. It’s found naturally in a variety of everyday foods.
Egg yolks, nuts, seeds, whole grains, bananas, avocados, and legumes are good sources. Liver and dairy products also contain biotin. A balanced diet usually covers daily needs, especially when meals include both plant-based and animal-based foods.
It’s worth noting that raw egg whites can reduce biotin absorption if consumed frequently. Cooking eggs solves this issue and makes biotin more available to the body.
Who Should Consider Using Biotin?
Not everyone needs a biotin supplement. People who eat a balanced diet often meet their daily requirement naturally.
However, some individuals may benefit from biotin supplementation. These include people with noticeable hair thinning, brittle nails, digestive conditions affecting nutrient absorption, or those following very restrictive diets. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also have increased needs, but supplementation should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
At Lygos Clinic, we emphasize that supplements should be chosen based on need, not trends.
Does Biotin Make Hair Thicker?
This is probably the most common question. Biotin does not create new hair follicles or stop genetic hair loss. However, if hair thinning is related to biotin deficiency, supplementation may help improve hair strength and reduce breakage.
When hair breaks less and grows more evenly, it can appear fuller over time. This is often interpreted as “thicker hair,” even though the number of hair follicles remains the same.
Biotin works best when combined with proper nutrition, scalp care, and realistic expectations.
Signs of Biotin Deficiency
Biotin deficiency is relatively rare, but it can happen. Symptoms usually develop gradually and may be easy to overlook at first.
Common signs include thinning hair, brittle nails, dry or irritated skin, fatigue, and mood changes. In more severe cases, muscle pain or neurological symptoms may appear.
If these symptoms persist, blood tests can help determine whether biotin or another nutrient deficiency is involved.
When Should You Seek Professional Advice?
If hair loss, nail weakness, or skin issues continue despite dietary improvements, professional guidance is important. Supplements are not always the answer, and other deficiencies or conditions may be involved.
At Lygos Clinic, we assess hair and scalp health comprehensively and help patients choose the most appropriate approach based on real needs, not assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Biotin is a B-vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy and supports hair, skin, and nail health.
It also plays a role in nervous system function.
Biotin can be obtained naturally from foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, whole grains, bananas, and avocados.
A balanced diet usually provides enough biotin for most people.
People with biotin deficiency, brittle nails, or diet-related hair thinning may benefit from biotin.
Supplement use should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Biotin can help hair look fuller if thinning is caused by deficiency.
It does not create new hair or stop genetic hair loss.
Hair thinning, weak nails, skin irritation, fatigue, and mood changes are common signs.
Diagnosis should be confirmed through medical evaluation.
