Biotin For Hair Thinning: Does It Really Work?
You have likely heard of Biotin as the "go-to" ingredient when it comes to hair thinning and hair wellness. It's a popular ingredient touted by the hair care industry and beauty bloggers alike.
But is it really as impressive as the marketers seem to suggest? Does biotin for hair thinning really work?
Let's review the science.
What Is Biotin
Biotin as known as vitamin B7 (or vitamin H) and is a part of the B-vitamin family. It is essential to human health and plays a part in hundreds of functions in your body.
Biotin is found mainly in animal products such as eggs and organ meats. It is also found in smaller quantities in certain types of nuts and seeds, animal meats, oats and wheat germ.
Let's examine some of the facts behind biotin.
Biotin Deficiencies Are Rare
Certain studies have linked biotin deficiency to hair loss in humans. The effects of the deficiency seem to be more common in women.
However, the typical western diet has enough biotin for daily needs. In addition, biotin can also be produced by the bacteria in your gut which can enhance the biotin levels in your body.
Both these factors make it unlikely that you have a biotin deficiency.
Biotin deficiencies can occur in a subset of the population. A small segment of the population has a deficiency in an enzyme needed to break down biotin.
Smokers, people on certain medications and those who drink alcohol frequently also have lower biotin levels.
If you have gut issues, then the bacteria may not be able to break down and provide your body with adequate biotin. Pregnant women are also at risk for lower biotin levels.
Biotin Gummies Aren't All That Healthy
There has been a recent trend to sell colorful biotin gummies. Some people like gummies because they come in nice shapes and colors.
However, most gummies come with added sugar and unnatural colorants. Added sugar causes a rise in your blood glucose levels and plays a part in inflammation, insulin resistance, metabolic disorders and diabetes.
Some of the artificial colors and additives used in biotin gummies can increase oxidative stress in your body and accelerate the aging process. These may also contain starch and gluten.
We generally recommend staying away from most gummies.
Biotin Supplementation Alone May Not Help With Hair Loss
Biotin is important for breaking down fats, metabolizing amino acids (for protein) and gluconeogeneis (creating energy from sources other than carbohydrates) in your body.
It is important for the maintenance of healthy hair and nails.
However, there have been multiple studies that have raised doubts on biotin supplementation alone as a treatment for hair loss.
In one study, Ralph Trueb found that biotin deficiency may be coincidental in women experiencing hair loss, not the cause of the hair thinning.
Another study looked at telogen effluvium (hair loss caused by sudden stress or infection) patients and concluded that subjects had adequate biotin levels.
Biotin For Hair Thinning: What's The Verdict?
So now you know what biotin is and the scientific proof as a standalone supplement for hair wellness.
However, when biotin is used with other vitamins such as green tea extract, curcumin, ashwagandha, folate and vitamin D - the combined effect can be much more positive for hair growth.
This is the reason our team includes biotin and 25 other superfoods to fight hair thinning and regrow thicker, fuller hair in the Enhance Hair Supplement.
The Enhance Hair helps balance your hormones and contains powerful superfoods that nourish your body from within to start growing the hair yoru deserve.
Click here to check out the ingredients in Enhance Hair Supplement.