How effective is Biotin for treating Hair Loss?
Hair loss affects up to 65% of men and 45% of women by the age of 40. One of the most popular and talked about hair growth promotes is biotin. In this article, we go through the effects that biotin can have on the hair.
For many of us, taking supplements for our hair is new, and not something we know much about. Because of this, many hair loss sufferers tend to opt for topical serums and shampoos as an alternative solution to hair loss. The problem is, supplements have been shown to be the most effective non-medical way to treat hair loss.
One of the most popular vitamins of choice for hair growth is biotin. There has been much research which leads us to believe that this vitamin B7 can help slow down hair shedding, but on a more prominent scale, it can promote the rate of speed of hair growth.
What are the benefits of taking biotin?
The human body needs biotin to metabolise carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Biotin is often recommended for strengthening hair and nails and it’s found in many cosmetic products and health supplements for hair and skin.
Like all B vitamins, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body does not store it. Biotin is necessary for formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are used as fuels by the body.
It is also important for the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates. A lack of biotin is rare. However, if it occurs it may lead to loss of hair, high blood levels of cholesterol, and heart problems.
Does biotin prevent hair loss?
Biotin is a key hair growth beneficiary that, in most cases, can stimulate hair to grow faster and stronger. However, biotin tends to work more effectively when it is taken in conjunction with a host of other hair beneficiary ingredients within a multivitamin supplement, like Viviscal or HR23+®.
Biotin is not some sort of cure for hair loss, but it has shown to be an excellent vitamin for hair health. When mixed with hair loss prevention extracts and antiandrogens, such as saw palmetto, biotin can play a key role in the prevention of excessive hair thinning.
Biotin has also shown to add thickness and texture to the hair strands, which, for hair loss sufferers, or for people who generally have thin hair, is a great bonus.
Who should take biotin?
If you suffer from hair loss, or are prone to excessive seasonal shedding phases, then you should take a daily dose of biotin. If you are looking to treat common hair loss types, then biotin will not work on its own. For best results, take a multivitamin hair health supplement that contains hair growth properties like biotin, folic acid, and grapeseed, as well as hair loss prevention extracts such as pumpkin seed, saw palmetto, and nettle leaf/stinging nettle.
Most adults need about 30mcg of biotin per day to maintain normal metabolic functions, which translates into healthy nails, skin and hair. Experts usually recommend a starting dose of about 700mcg of biotin per day and sometimes as high as 1000mcg.
Because it is generally safe and well-tolerated many people take as high as 10,000mcg a day with no documented side effects. There is no evidence however, of any additional benefits that come with increased doses, so a dosage of 3,000mcg should more than suffice.
Conclusion
Biotin not only benefits the hair, but it benefits the skin and nails, too. There is absolutely no harm in taking biotin daily, so it is certainly something that you should consider adding to your routine.
As stated, biotin will not treat hair loss, but, taken with saw palmetto (a hair loss blocker), biotin can work well in promoting stronger, thicker, and fast hair growth.
Biotin can be purchased on its own under a number of different brands, or it can be taken as pat of a multivitamin supplement.
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