Written By Venus L
With a long line of skeptics and satisfied customers alike, using Biotin just might be the missing link in your natural hair care regimen for those seeking to realize substantial growth. A best-kept secret for some Naturalistas, for those who are compatible with the formula, Biotin acts as a miracle worker of epic proportions. With that being said, the following is an overview of the good, bad, and ugly aspects of utilizing Biotin for hair growth.
What is Biotin?
Simply put, Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for overall health. Servicing your system by helping the body to process fats and sugars, it also helps to form a vital process in terms of fat production within the body. What’s more, particularly imperative for pregnant women, Biotin supplements are often taken during pregnancy in order to prevent discoloration of the skin in the mother and child as well as to optimize health during pregnancy and within the unborn fetus in general. It has also been used to address issues such as the removal of stretch marks, diabetes, mild depression, and skin rash in infants.
Biotin Supplements for Hair Growth
Although studies are still in the preliminary stages, some studies suggest that there is a correlation between Biotin and an increased level of growth in the nails and hair. Said to promote hair that is thick and lustrous hair with a healthy level of sheen, Biotin has also been known to increase elasticity (helping to minimize breakage), as well as promote the growth of new, healthier hair cells.
The Pros of Using Biotin
First of all, although it’s unrelated, Biotin has been known to regulate blood sugar levels. If you are someone who can benefit from this, this would make trying Biotin for hair growth a great option for you. What’s more, it is also said to aid in weight loss. By pairing Biotin with chromium, it can effectively support a much faster break down of both fats and carbohydrates which ultimately leads to an increased resting metabolic rate. Furthermore, it support skin health and has the capacity to help fight against ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, as well as a number of other rashes and skin conditions. It is also widely available and highly affordable. This is a great aspect for those interested in trying this vitamin as it won’t be too costly to buy just one bottle.
Biotin Usage Cons
On the flip side, not everyone has a positive experience in terms of using Biotin. In fact, many have had negative experiences and were subject to adverse effects. For instance, the possibility for overdose is always plausible. This can cause acne, breakouts, and other skin conditions (which is a terrible prospect if you’re already dealing with skin issues). Furthermore, you will also need to watch your food intake as raw eggs tend to interfere with the absorption of this vitamin. It also has the potential to interact with certain drugs and antibiotics.
On the other hand, if you’re already predisposed to grow facial hair, Biotin can also increase the growth of facial hair. What’s more, the recommended dosage can vary depending on your natural levels and body chemistry. Therefore, it may take some time before you find a dosage that works well. Also, it takes a while to see results. If you turn out to be one of the unlucky ones, it will likely take months before you realize the formula isn’t working. Additionally, the vitamin has been known to cause restlessness. This is due to the fact that ss it breaks down the glucose and various fats within the body these substances are converted to readily usable energy. Therefore, if taken at night, Biotin can cause temporary insomnia.
Usage and Dosage Information
Given the potential for overdose, coupled with the vast array of side effects caused by overdose, making sure not to take too much Biotin is imperative. While a vitamin is optional, is also important to note that this is not necessarily the best method for receiving Biotin. A simple change in diet can provide you with all of the Biotin you need. By eating more wheat germ, whole wheat bread, eggs (not raw, of course), chicken, salmon, and Biotin-containing dairy, you will give your body a healthy dose of Biotin on the regular basis.
On the flip side, if you have a Biotin deficiency, a food allergy, or any other reason for opting to take Biotin in pill form, deciding on a dosage can be tricky. It is best to start with the lowest possible dosage (around 500mcg), and slowly work your way up as necessary. The best way to go about this it to take the lowest recommended dosage per day and gauge your side effects over time. If side effects are minimal, you are likely OK to increase your dosage. If not, you may want to stick to the same dosage to see if you realize improvement or discontinue usage altogether. Additionally, although it is often used as a multi-vitamin, it is a great idea to use Biotin alone at first. This will help you get a better idea of whether or not your system tolerates the vitamin well without the interference of other vitamins and nutrients. Additionally, by adding a bit of apple cider vinegar to recipes, or simply drinking a few teaspoons here and there, you can help to combat potential skin issues as well as other potential side effects brought on by taking Biotin.
Overall, when it works, Biotin is one of the best methods for realizing the substantial growth of your natural hair. However, given the number of potential side effects it is better to try to get a Biotin boost from foods before resorting to pill form. Nevertheless, if you must take Biotin in pill form please consult your doctor as you may have underlying issues that could be worsened by the formula. Either way, be sure to document your results and if you ever suspect it to be causing seriously negative results, quit using it immediately!