What is Biotin

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Biotin is one of the required B vitamins...

It is commonly referred to as Biotin, but it also goes by the name of Vitamin B7, and on rare instances this essential vitamin uses its less common name of Vitamin H. Biotin is the vitamin with multiple identities.

Biotin, Vitamin H, and Vitamin B7 are all one and the same and your body requires you to ingest this essential vitamin on a daily basis. A nutritional deficiency of this vitamin may show as fatigue, muscle pain, low appetite, depression, hair loss, brittle nails, brittle hair, poor skin color, intestinal tract issues, or in nervous system problems. But don't worry. Deficiency of Biotin is rare.

Biotin is one of the B family of vitamins...

Natrol Biotin 1000mcg, 100 tablets, (Pack of 2)

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Although we generally acquire enough Biotin through the foods that we consume, some individuals may find that they are predisposed to a deficiency, or simply require more Biotin than what they normally acquire. These are cases when a biotin supplement may be required.

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Our diet is generally rich in Biotin...

Because we generally consume enough Biotin (Vitamin B7) rich foods in our basic diet it really isn't a Vitamin that we often find ourselves concerned about. Most people don't have to worry if they are getting enough Biotin in their daily diet plan as deficiencies of this vitamin are very rare.

Biotin is excreted in our urine, so must be ingested daily to meet our nutritional requirements for it, but we generally have no problem in receiving an ample amount of this nutrient in the everyday foods that we consume.

Those individuals who may find themselves at higher risk of vitamin B7 deficiency are those rare individuals who consume large amounts of raw egg whites, those who use certain anti-seizure or antibiotic medications for extended periods of time, or those individuals who may have pre-existing intestinal problems. Although vitamin B7 is water soluble and travels through the bloodstream, it is absorbed mainly within the small intestine, so pre-existing intestinal problems can also affect its absorption.

Biotin is found in such a wide assortment of common foods though, and these biotin rich foods are often consumes on a daily basis, so biotin is not often a vitamin that is deficient in our diets.

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Causes of Biotin Deficiency

Consuming raw egg whites prevents biotin from being absorbed and can cause a biotin deficiency. Always cook your eggs fully before consuming them.

Other factors which may influence a biotin deficiency are genetic predisposition, alcoholism, cigarette smoking, pregnancy, and intestinal problems.

The elderly, kidney dialysis patients, and very athletic individuals may also be at higher risk of suffering from a biotin deficiency.

Did you know that Biotin supplements are being used to stimulate hair growth?

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So exactly what does this Biotin, Vitamin B7, Vitamin H, do for me?

Although Biotin is not a nutritional need that a lot of people need to keep tabs on, it is very important for our body, and can cause some very real health problems if we are deficient in it. Visible signs that you may not be receiving an adequate amount of Biotin are fatigue, muscle pain, low appetite, depression, poor skin color, brittle nails or brittle hair, hair loss, or intestinal tract or nervous system problems.

Biotin plays a very important role in our body's most basic metabolic processes. It aides in our body's metabolizing of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as aiding the body in processing glucose. Biotin helps the body to convert the foods we eat into efficient energy stores, it also helps to maintain muscle tissue, bone marrow, as well as nervous system tissue health. Biotin also helps to reduce blood sugar levels and to aide in the regulation of high cholesterol levels.

Biotin is a key factor in the overall health of our hair, nails and skin which is why biotin supplements are often used to help treat hair loss, graying hair, thin or brittle nails, and some skin disorders. It is used as an aide in weight loss and also to help individuals with diabetes to regulate their blood sugar level.

A sufficient amount of Biotin is very important in insuring our overall health and well being.

Biotin is found in sunflower seeds, peanuts, pecans, almonds, and walnuts...

Art of Appreciation The Classic Gourmet Food Gift Basket - Medium

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Keep heart healthy nuts in your diet plan. Always have a handful of your favorite snack close by. Keep yourself and those that you love stocked up on nuts. They really are a heart healthy protein rich food.

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Wonderfully delicious healthy nut products rich in Biotin...

Which are your favorites?

Milk Chocolate Sunflower Seeds, 16 Oz

Milk Chocolate Sunflower Seeds, 16 Oz

These sunflower seeds have been removed from their more...1 point

Sunflower Food and Spice Co, Sunny Seed Drops, 3-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 8)

Sunflower Food and Spice Co, Sunny Seed Drops, 3-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 8)

Sunflower Food and Spice Co, Sunny Seed Drops, 3-O more...1 point

Sunbursts - Candy Coated Choc. Sunflower Seeds - 2 Lbs

Sunbursts - Candy Coated Choc. Sunflower Seeds - 2 Lbs

Both kids and adults will love these slightly swee more...1 point

Flavored Sunflower Seed Variety Pack

Flavored Sunflower Seed Variety Pack

Enjoy a sampling of all 7 flavored Sunflower Seeds more...1 point

Planters-Nuts On the Go Snack Packs, 24/2 oz Variety Packs

Planters-Nuts On the Go Snack Packs, 24/2 oz Variety Packs

Try all three of these famously fresh tasting Plan more...0 points

Planters Nuts on the Go Eighteen 1.5 Ounce Bags Heart Healthy Mix Peanuts, Almonds, Pistachios, Pecans, and Hazelnuts

Planters Nuts on the Go Eighteen 1.5 Ounce Bags Heart Healthy Mix Peanuts, Almonds, Pistachios, Pecans, and Hazelnuts

Planters Nut-rition Heart Healthy Mix is a delicio more...0 points

Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Mixed Nuts -40 oz

Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Mixed Nuts -40 oz

Mixed Nuts Extra fancy 2.5 lb container Each Assor more...0 points

Broadway Basketeers Gourmet Nut Gift Basket

Broadway Basketeers Gourmet Nut Gift Basket

This gift basket is filled with five gourmet snack more...0 points

Planters Mixed Nuts With Pure Sea Salt, 56-Ounce Tin (Pack of 2)

Planters Mixed Nuts With Pure Sea Salt, 56-Ounce Tin (Pack of 2)

Planters Mixed Nuts contain Cashews, Almonds, Peca more...0 points

Emerald Harmony Deluxe Mixed Nuts, 14-Ounce Tubs (Pack of 3)

Emerald Harmony Deluxe Mixed Nuts, 14-Ounce Tubs (Pack of 3)

Blend of cashews, almonds,Brazil nuts, macadamia n more...0 points

Planters Nutrition Heart Healthy Mix 6 pouches, 1.5-Ounce (Pack of 3)

Planters Nutrition Heart Healthy Mix 6 pouches, 1.5-Ounce (Pack of 3)

A healthy snack choice for parties, the big game o more...0 points

Blue Diamond Almonds 100 Calories Per Bag - 32 Grab and Go Bags

Blue Diamond Almonds 100 Calories Per Bag - 32 Grab and Go Bags

A convenient way to enjoy the healthful benefits a more...0 points

Fruit, Cheese & Nuts Fruit Basket

Fruit, Cheese & Nuts Fruit Basket

An assortment of our finest fruit, specialty chees more...0 points

Great Appreciation Gourmet Food Gift Box - Thank You Gift Basket

Great Appreciation Gourmet Food Gift Box - Thank You Gift Basket

Deliver your thanks and appreciation in elegant st more...0 points

Nuts Meet Chocolate Gift Tray

Nuts Meet Chocolate Gift Tray

Two nut favorites, cashews and almonds, presented more...0 points

Virginia Diner Gourmet Salted Deluxe Nut Mix, 20-Ounce Tin

Virginia Diner Gourmet Salted Deluxe Nut Mix, 20-Ounce Tin

A legend in a nutshell since 1929. Product of USA.0 points

Art of Appreciation Gift Baskets -Heart Healthy Gourmet Food Gift Basket

Art of Appreciation Gift Baskets -Heart Healthy Gourmet Food Gift Basket

A gift specially designed for that health-conscien more...0 points

Virginia Diner Roasted & Toasted Triplet, Variety Pack of 10-Ounce Tins, 3-Count Gift Box

Virginia Diner Roasted & Toasted Triplet, Variety Pack of 10-Ounce Tins, 3-Count Gift Box

Honey toasted cashews, butter toasted peanuts, hon more...0 points

Nuts About You!: Valentine's Day Gift Basket

Nuts About You!: Valentine's Day Gift Basket

Tell him you're nuts about him with this unique th more...0 points

Fisher Fancy Pecan Medium Pieces, 5-Pound

Fisher Fancy Pecan Medium Pieces, 5-Pound

Fisher is your home for a complete assortment of s more...0 points

Emily's Roasted & Salted Pecans 30oz

Emily's Roasted & Salted Pecans 30oz

Snack on these antioxidant packed wonders of crunc more...0 points

In-Shell Walnuts (5 pounds)

In-Shell Walnuts (5 pounds)

The most popular in-shell nut is the Hartley Walnu more...0 points

Diamond Glazed Walnuts - 28oz

Diamond Glazed Walnuts - 28oz

Diamond Glazed Walnuts - 28oz, great on a salad or more...0 points

Emerald Walnuts N' Almonds-Apple Cinnamon Glazed 7-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 6)

Emerald Walnuts N' Almonds-Apple Cinnamon Glazed 7-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 6)

Emerald Walnuts N' Almonds-Apple Cinnamon Glazed 7 more...0 points

KIND PLUS, Almond Walnut Macadamia + Protein, Gluten Free Bars (Pack of 12)

KIND PLUS, Almond Walnut Macadamia + Protein, Gluten Free Bars (Pack of 12)

Almond Walnut Macadamia + Protein is a super charg more...0 points

Black Walnuts, 8 oz.

Black Walnuts, 8 oz.

Black Walnuts, 8 oz.0 points

Rainbow Colored Chocolate Sunflower Seeds, 3lb Bulk Bag

Rainbow Colored Chocolate Sunflower Seeds, 3lb Bulk Bag

These chocolate sunflower seeds are covered in mil more...0 points

Planters Salted Peanuts - 48/1 oz. bags

Planters Salted Peanuts - 48/1 oz. bags

Try our famously fresh tasting Planters peanuts. E more...0 points

Royal Oak Gourmet Virginia Salted Peanuts, 40-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

Royal Oak Gourmet Virginia Salted Peanuts, 40-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

Gourmet Jumbo Virginia Salted Peanuts, 40 ounces;0 points

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg Handcooked Lightly Salted Virginia Peanuts, 12-Ounce Tins (Pack of 3)

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg Handcooked Lightly Salted Virginia Peanuts, 12-Ounce Tins (Pack of 3)

Distinctively unique and different ... And unbelie more...0 points

Royal Oak Gourmet Virginia Raw Out Of The Shell Peanuts, 5 Pound Bags (Pack of 2)

Royal Oak Gourmet Virginia Raw Out Of The Shell Peanuts, 5 Pound Bags (Pack of 2)

Gourmet Virginia Raw out of the Shell Peanuts, 5 p more...0 points

Planters Cocktail Peanuts, 35-Ounce Plastic Jars (Pack of 3)

Planters Cocktail Peanuts, 35-Ounce Plastic Jars (Pack of 3)

The party is complete when you add the robust pean more...0 points

Royal Oak Gourmet Unsalted Virginia Peanuts, 40-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

Royal Oak Gourmet Unsalted Virginia Peanuts, 40-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

Gourmet Jumbo Unsalted Virginia Peanuts, 40 ounces0 points

Royal Oak Gourmet Jumbo Virginia Salted Peanuts, 40-Ounce Holiday Christmas Tins (Pack of 2)

Royal Oak Gourmet Jumbo Virginia Salted Peanuts, 40-Ounce Holiday Christmas Tins (Pack of 2)

Royal Oak Gourmet Jumbo Virginia Salted Peanuts, 4 more...0 points

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg Homestyle Peanuts Seasoned with Natural Sea Salt, 32-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg Homestyle Peanuts Seasoned with Natural Sea Salt, 32-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

Located in the Heart of Colonial Williamsburg is T more...0 points

Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts, 12-Ounce Packages (Pack of 12)

Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts, 12-Ounce Packages (Pack of 12)

Whether you love Planters Peanuts for their pure p more...0 points

Cole's RP20 20 Pound Raw Peanut Seed

Cole's RP20 20 Pound Raw Peanut Seed

Higher in essential fat and protein than peanut he more...0 points

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg Seasoned Peanuts

The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg Seasoned Peanuts

Pack of 4. one (1) hot southern jalapeno nuts/spic more...0 points

Royal Oak Gourmet Virginia Redskin Peanuts, 40-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

Royal Oak Gourmet Virginia Redskin Peanuts, 40-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

Gourmet Virginia Redskin Peanuts, 40 ounces0 points

Biotin - Vitamin H - Vitamin B7

Biotin - Vitamin H - Vitamin B7, whichever name that you choose to refer to it as, is not a vitamin that people usually think about when they are adding vitamin supplements into their daily diet plans. In fact it is a vitamin that a great many people have probably never even heard of. Biotin is a member of the family of B-vitamins and it is very important to our health.

Biotin is fortunately found in many of the foods that we consume each day so it is not a vitamin supplement of any great concern to the majority of individuals. Biotin is a water soluble vitamin. You can find Biotin in many grain, cereal, and bread products, egg yolks, fish, legumes, yeast, nuts, liver, milk, poultry, spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli.

An accurate Biotin list of foods comprised by The National Institute of Health is available at: Biotin content of select foods determined by HPLC/avidin binding assay. It is generally best to trust health and government data as your most reliable source of information.

Biotin is in legumes...

Blend, Gourmet, Pasta Legume - 25 Lb Bag Each

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Stock up with this 25 pound bag of legume pasta mix. A healthy homemade soup, stew, or goulash can be easy as a snap to prepare with this legume mix.

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Black Beluga Lentils, 1 lb.

Black Beluga Lentils, 1 lb.

Black Beluga Lentils, 1 lb.0 points

Blend, Gourmet, Pasta Legume 8 Lb Bag/box Each

Blend, Gourmet, Pasta Legume 8 Lb Bag/box Each

This rich blend will add interest to any meal. Our more...0 points

Golden Lentils, 1 lb.

Golden Lentils, 1 lb.

Golden Lentils, 1 lb.0 points

Organic Dried Green Lentil Sprouting Seed: 1/2 Lb. (8 Oz.) of Dry Lentils for Planting Garden Seeds, Soup, Cooking or Sprout Salad, Sprouts

Organic Dried Green Lentil Sprouting Seed: 1/2 Lb. (8 Oz.) of Dry Lentils for Planting Garden Seeds, Soup, Cooking or Sprout Salad, Sprouts

Lentil sprouts are high in fiber, protein and amino more...0 points

French Lentils, 1 lb.

French Lentils, 1 lb.

French Lentils, 1 lb.0 points

Mung Beans, 1 lb.

Mung Beans, 1 lb.

Great for sprouting. Use in salads, stir fries and more...0 points

Flageolet Beans, 1 lb.

Flageolet Beans, 1 lb.

Pale green bean for classic French country cuisine more...0 points

Yellow Eye Beans, 1 lb.

Yellow Eye Beans, 1 lb.

Yellow Eye Beans, 1 lb.0 points

Pigeon Peas, 1 lb.

Pigeon Peas, 1 lb.

Pigeon Peas, 1 lb.0 points

Black Eyed Peas, 1 lb.

Black Eyed Peas, 1 lb.

Great served with cornbread and chow chow.0 points

Calypso Beans, Black, 1 lb.

Calypso Beans, Black, 1 lb.

Calypso Beans, Black, 1 lb.0 points

Gigantes (Greek Giant White Beans) Bulk - 1 Pound

Gigantes (Greek Giant White Beans) Bulk - 1 Pound

Giant Greek white beans. product of Greece.0 points

Calico Soup Blend - 1.75 Lb Jar Each

Calico Soup Blend - 1.75 Lb Jar Each

Calico Soup Blend cooks into a thick soup. The len more...0 points

Laxmi Moong Dal 4lb

Laxmi Moong Dal 4lb

Laxmi brand moong dal0 points

Ivory Lentils, 1 lb.

Ivory Lentils, 1 lb.

Ivory Lentils, 1 lb.0 points

Biotin deficiency as a cause of thinning hair, baldness, or hair loss?

One of the symptoms of Biotin deficiency is indeed hair loss. Biotin is a key vitamin in the health of your skin, nails, and hair. A deficiency of biotin can cause hair loss, brittle or thinning hair, as well as premature greying of the hair.

This has lead researchers to look into Biotin supplements, creams, and shampoos as treatments for grey hair, thinning hair, hair loss, and baldness. It seems that there is some proof that biotin may aide in these areas.

The data I have found indicates that the best biotin treatment for hair greying, thinning, baldness, or hair loss is to use a combination of oral zinc and biotin supplements, and a Clobetasol propionate (corticosteroid specific) cream applied to the head.

Healing foods: A vitamin deficiency could be the cause of your health problems.

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Keep healthy snacks handy for your family...

Kellogg's by Zevro SPK101 Special K Dry-Food Dispenser

Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Keep cereal handy to snack on. Cereal is a low fat alternative to higher calorie snack foods. This delightful Kellogg's Special K snack dispenser is a great gift idea.

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Often a natural remedy is the best remedy.

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How To Set Up An Elimination Diet Plan

An elimination diet plan is a form of diet that is usually used to discover which foods, or food groups, an individual might have a sensitivity to. Up to Seventy five percent of the population have an allergy or intolerance to a food that is generally considered safe for human consumption. These food sensitivities may cause nothing more than a mild case of gastrointestinal discomfort to the sufferer, but they may also be severe enough to cause harm to one or more of the body's organs.

In some cases the body's reaction to the offending food can cause the development of an immune system response that is so severe it results in the formation of a chronic inflammatory based illness...How To Set Up An Elimination Diet Plan.

Foods That Cause Inflammation - Foods That Reduce It

A sensitivity or allergy to a specific food, or group of foods, can trigger an immune system response within the body. Although adverse reactions to a food product are generally mild, the response can be severe enough to cause a chronic immune system response within the body. This means that some inflammatory based forms of chronic illness, and Arthritis, may actually be triggered by these food sensitivities.

There are definitely foods which can trigger inflammation; just as their are foods which can help to reduce it....Foods That Cause Inflammation - Foods That Reduce It.

Do you take vitamin supplements to help improve your health and boost your immunity?

  • skiesgreen Feb 17, 2012 @ 5:47 am | delete
    Not many are required by me as I have a wonderful garden full of fruits and vegies and only eat good foods. This is such a wonderful informative lens and it is blessed and featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012. Hugs.

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Let Your Endorphins Out To Play

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When you participate in pleasurable activities like smiling, laughing, exercising or playing, your brain does an amazing thing and releases a little chemical message known as an endorphin.

These endorphins are feel good messages that have the power to actually remove physical and emotional pain. They travel down the spine, and then throughout your body, sending a feeling of well being as they go. These endorphins not only have the ability to relieve pain but they also have the power to make you feel happy. So remember to take time to play - It really is important.

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Sources:

Medlineplus: biotin
Wikipedia: Biotin
Vitamins-supplements-biotin
Health.learninginfo: biotin
Drweil.com/Vitamin-b7
Medical-dictionary: Vitamin+B7
National Institute of Health: vitamin_biotin_b7

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Sunflower seeds are a natural source of Biotin... 

Bob's Red Mill Natural Raw Sunflower Seeds, 20-Ounce Packages (Pack of 4)

Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Keep healthy snack foods handy to satisfy your snack cravings.

Sunflowers can really help to brighten the day. 

SUNFLOWER 3-D Mug Set of Mugs w/Mug Tree *NEW!*

Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 05/29/2012)Buy Now

Not only are a sunflower's seeds rich in biotin, but the sunflower itself reminds us of sunshine, and always looks cheerfully happy.

Sunflower seeds can now be found in a variety of taste tempting flavors. 

Rainbow Colored Chocolate Sunflower Seeds, 3lb Bulk Bag

Amazon Price: $25.88 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Sunflower seeds are a super food that is loaded with vitamins and protein.