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Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that works synergistically
with pantothenic acid (also known as vitamin B5) in producing many
crucial enzymes. We normally obtain this vitamin from food sources
such as liver, nuts, oatmeal, rice, and legumes, but therapeutic
doses can be incorporated through supplementation.
Most
people receive the necessary amount of biotin in their diet that
they need to stay healthy. However, in uncommon instances diseases
can leave people with an unhealthy dietary dificiency of biotin.
Also long-term antibiotic use can interfere with biotin production
in the intestine and increase the risk of biotin deficiency
symptons, such as dermatitis, depression, hair loss, anemia and
nausea. Long term use of other medications may also cause biotin
deficiency. Lower than normal biotin levels have been reported with
alcoholics, people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and
those suffering from other stomach disorders. Low lovels of biotin
might possibly be link with some birth defects.
Many people
have used biotin to strengthen hair, nails and as a supplement
during
pregnancy.
Dosage
Professionals have
estimated that 30 mcg per day appears to be an adequate intake of
vitamin biotin for adults. Typically, consumption from a Western
diet has been estimated to be 30-70 mcg per day. Larger amounts of
biotin (8-16 mg per day) may be supportive for people with diabetes
by lowering blood glucose levels and by preventing diabetic
neuropathy.
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