Does Biotin (or Biotin Shampoo) Really Work for Hair Loss?

Summary

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and is vital for healthy hair and skin. Deficiencies can lead to hair loss and skin issues, often exacerbated by factors such as antibiotic use, ketogenic diets, and lifestyle choices. Biotin supplements and shampoos may help address subclinical deficiencies, potentially improving hair and skin conditions. The video script delves into the importance of biotin, its sources, and how deficiencies can be mitigated through diet and supplementation.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is crucial for skin, hair, and the formation of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids.
• 🔍 The name 'biotin' comes from the Greek word 'bios', signifying its importance in the 'formation of life'.
• 👶 Biotin deficiency in children can lead to severe malformations in growth and development.
• 🧬 Biotin functions as a coenzyme, aiding in the synthesis of proteins and myelin sheath formation.
• 💊 Antibiotic use can dramatically affect biotin levels since gut microbes produce biotin, which is often in a free form.
• 🥚 Getting sufficient biotin from diet alone can be challenging without consuming foods rich in biotin such as egg yolks, liver, and kidney.
• 🤔 The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for biotin is not fully agreed upon due to insufficient scientific data.
• 🚫 Factors like raw egg whites consumption, ketogenic diet, anti-seizure medication, smoking, alcohol, low stomach acid, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and intense exercise can affect biotin levels.
• 👵 Aging can also lead to biotin deficiency, and genetic issues may require higher biotin intake.
• 💊 High amounts of biotin in supplements or shampoos are generally not a problem due to biotin's water solubility.
• 🧴 Biotin can be absorbed through the skin, making topical applications like shampoo potentially beneficial for hair and skin health.
• 🌱 Subclinical biotin deficiency might result in hair thinning, hair loss, or skin rashes, which could be addressed with biotin supplements or topical treatments.

Q & A

What is Biotin and how is it related to hair and skin health?

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is one of the B vitamins and plays a crucial role in the health of skin and hair. It is derived from the Greek word 'bios' meaning life, signifying its importance in the formation of life. Biotin acts as a co-enzyme in the formation of proteins and is essential for the production of keratin, a key component of hair, skin, and nails.

How does Biotin function as a co-enzyme?

Biotin functions as a helper enzyme in various biochemical reactions, including the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids, which are vital for the formation of body tissues such as hair and skin.

What is the impact of antibiotic use on Biotin levels?

Antibiotics can have a profound effect on Biotin levels because they can destroy the microbes in the large intestine that produce Biotin. Since these microbes produce Biotin in a free form that is more readily available than the Biotin found in food proteins, their disruption can lead to Biotin deficiency.

Why is Biotin absorption from food not as efficient as expected?

Most of the Biotin found in food is bound to proteins and requires digestion to be released. This means that the Biotin from food is not readily available in the same way as the free form Biotin produced by intestinal microbes.

What are some dietary sources of Biotin?

Dietary sources of Biotin include egg yolks, liver, kidney, and some types of cheese. However, unless these foods are consumed regularly, it may be difficult to obtain adequate amounts of Biotin from diet alone.

What factors can cause Biotin deficiency?

Factors that can cause Biotin deficiency include consumption of raw egg whites which contain a protein that binds Biotin, being on a ketogenic diet which increases the demand for Biotin, anti-seizure medications, smoking, alcohol consumption, reduced stomach acid, pregnancy, breastfeeding, intense physical activity, and aging.

How can Biotin deficiency affect the body?

Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, thinning hair, skin rashes, and in more severe cases, conditions like alopecia, dermatitis, seizures, candida overgrowth, and mood disorders such as depression.

Can Biotin supplements or shampoos with Biotin help with hair and skin issues?

Yes, Biotin supplements or shampoos can help address subclinical deficiencies that may cause hair thinning, hair loss, and skin rashes. However, it's important to also consider dietary changes and overall health to ensure adequate Biotin levels.

What is the role of Biotin in the context of an autoimmune disease like MS?

In the context of an autoimmune disease like MS, Biotin has been studied for its role in the formation of myelin, the protective layer around nerves. Biotin acts as a helper in myelin production, which is crucial for nerve function.

How can Biotin absorption through topical application like shampoos be beneficial?

Biotin can be absorbed by the skin when applied topically, such as in a shampoo. This can be beneficial for individuals with subclinical Biotin deficiencies, potentially helping to improve hair and skin health.

What are the recommended daily amounts (RDAs) for Biotin and why might they be disputed?

The RDAs for Biotin are not fully agreed upon due to insufficient scientific data. The amounts calculated as adequate may not be universally accepted, indicating the need for more research to determine the optimal Biotin intake.

Outlines

00:00

💊 Biotin's Role in Hair Health and Deficiency

The first paragraph delves into the significance of Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, for skin and hair health. It is derived from the Greek word 'bios', meaning life, highlighting its crucial role in the development of a child. Biotin functions as a co-enzyme in protein synthesis and is integral to the formation of myelin sheaths in nerve cells. The paragraph also discusses the impact of antibiotics on biotin levels due to their effect on gut microbes, which are a primary source of biotin. It emphasizes the difficulty of obtaining sufficient biotin from diet alone, especially without consuming foods rich in biotin like egg yolks or liver. The potential for biotin deficiency due to various factors such as raw egg whites consumption, ketogenic diet, anti-seizure medications, smoking, alcohol, lower stomach acids, pregnancy, breastfeeding, intense physical activity, and aging is also covered. The paragraph concludes with insights on the high amounts of biotin found in supplements and shampoos, and their absorption through the skin, suggesting their potential benefits for subclinical deficiencies leading to hair thinning, loss, or skin rashes.

05:03

🚨 Severe Biotin Deficiency and its Consequences

The second paragraph expands on the consequences of a severe biotin deficiency, which can lead to alopecia, a condition characterized by hair falling out in patches, as well as dermatitis, seizures, candida, and mood disorders like depression. It suggests that biotin shampoos might be beneficial for individuals with subclinical deficiencies, helping to address issues like hair loss and skin rashes. The paragraph encourages viewers to include biotin in their diet and consider supplementation to prevent deficiencies. It also references a related video on hair loss for further information.

Keywords

💡Biotin

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is one of the B vitamins essential for skin and hair health. It is derived from the Greek word 'bios,' meaning life, reflecting its critical role in growth and development. In the video, biotin is described as a co-enzyme that aids in protein synthesis and the formation of essential fatty acids. It is also linked to hair health, with deficiencies potentially leading to hair loss or thinning.

💡Co-enzyme

A co-enzyme is a substance that works in conjunction with an enzyme to facilitate a biochemical reaction in the body. In the context of the video, biotin acts as a co-enzyme, assisting in the formation of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

💡Myelin Sheath

The myelin sheath is a protective layer that surrounds nerve fibers, aiding in the efficient transmission of electrical impulses. The video mentions a study where high amounts of biotin were used for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that involves the destruction of this myelin sheath, highlighting biotin's role in myelin formation.

💡Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. The script discusses how the use of antibiotics can dramatically affect biotin levels because they can destroy the beneficial microbes in the large intestine that produce biotin. This can lead to a deficiency, especially if the individual's diet is not rich in biotin.

💡Microbes

Microbes, particularly in the human gut, play a crucial role in biotin production. The video script explains that these microbes generate biotin in a free form, which is more readily available than the biotin bound in proteins from food, emphasizing the importance of gut health in biotin availability.

💡Dietary Sources

The script discusses the importance of dietary sources of biotin, mentioning that while many foods contain small amounts, consuming biotin-rich foods like egg yolks, liver, and kidney is essential to meet the body's needs. It also notes that the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for biotin are not fully agreed upon, indicating the need for further research.

💡Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that increases the body's demand for biotin due to the increased fat consumption. The video script suggests that individuals on a ketogenic diet may experience hair loss or skin issues if their biotin intake is not sufficient to meet the heightened demand.

💡Subclinical Deficiency

A subclinical deficiency refers to a state where nutrient levels are below optimal but not yet causing overt symptoms. The video explains that a subclinical biotin deficiency could result in hair thinning, hair loss, or skin rashes, particularly if there has been a recent use of antibiotics or an inadequate diet.

💡Seizures

Seizures are uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain that can cause changes in behavior or consciousness. The script mentions that a severe biotin deficiency can lead to seizures, indicating the importance of biotin for neurological health.

💡Supplements

Supplements are products that provide nutrients to the body, such as vitamins or minerals, that may not be obtained in sufficient quantities through diet alone. The video discusses biotin supplements as a way to address deficiencies and suggests that high amounts of biotin in supplements or shampoos are not problematic due to its water-soluble nature.

💡Water-Soluble

Water-soluble vitamins, like biotin, are easily dissolved in water and are not stored in the body in significant amounts. This means that they need to be regularly replenished through diet or supplements. The video script mentions biotin's water solubility in the context of supplement safety.

Highlights

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is essential for skin and hair health.

Biotin's name originates from the Greek word 'bios', signifying its importance in life processes.

Biotin functions as a co-enzyme, aiding in protein and omega-3 fatty acid formation.

High biotin intake can help with Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the myelin sheath.

The human gut microbiome produces biotin, especially when taking antibiotics that can disrupt this balance.

Biotin from food is often bound in proteins and requires digestion, unlike the free form produced by gut microbes.

Dietary sources of biotin are limited, with egg yolks, liver, and kidney being some of the richest sources.

Recommended daily allowances for biotin are not fully agreed upon due to insufficient scientific data.

Consuming raw egg whites can lead to biotin deficiency due to its binding with avidin.

The ketogenic diet increases the demand for biotin due to high fat intake.

Lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, and anti-seizure medications can lower biotin levels.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and intense exercise can increase the body's demand for biotin.

Aging and certain genetic issues can lead to biotin deficiency.

Biotin supplements and shampoos with high concentrations of biotin are generally safe due to its water solubility.

Biotin can be absorbed through the skin, making topical application in shampoos potentially beneficial.

Subclinical biotin deficiency may present as hair thinning, hair loss, or skin rashes.

Major biotin deficiency can cause alopecia, severe dermatitis, seizures, candida, and mood disorders.

Biotin shampoos may help with hair and skin issues related to subclinical deficiencies.

Incorporating biotin into the diet and considering supplementation can address potential deficiencies.

Transcripts

let's talk about Biotin and the question

is does it really work for your hair as

in biotin shampoo will it actually help

you with hair loss or other problems

what is biotin it's vitamin B7 so it's

one of the B vitamins having to do with

a couple German words which describe

skin and hair and biotin itself comes

from the Greek word bios which means

life and then the chemical name in as in

biotin meaning the formation of life

because of the importance of biotin in a

growing child and if a child is

deficient because the mother's deficient

that child will have all sorts of

malformations in growth and development

and how biotin really works it acts as a

co-enzyme like a helper enzyme in the

formation of protein it's like even in

the formation of omega-3 fatty acids and

as you know there's a lot of different

uh fats and proteins that make up body

tissue One study I found uh using very

high amounts of Biotin for Ms which is

an autoimmune disease involving with the

destruction of the the fat layer around

the nerve which is called the myelin

sheath and so biotin is kind of a helper

in the formation of myelin but it's also

a helper in the formation of hair uh

normal skin now I think the most

important thing to know about biotin is

that there's a dramatic effect in Biotin

when someone takes antibiotic otics

because the microbes in your large

intestine actually make biotin now

what's unique about that is that it

makes just as much as you get from your

diet but it makes it mostly in a free

form you see when you get biotin from

food uh most of it is locked up in

proteins so you have to digest and break

that up so the majority of biotin you

get from your diet is not in a free form

like you would get from the microbes in

your intestine so this is why anything

that just destroys your microbes

especially antibiotics but other things

too can have a profound effect on biotin

so to get enough biotin you need enough

microbes and also you need it from the

diet as well now despite what you read

on the Internet it's not is easy to get

biotin from the diet yes a lot of

different foods have a small amount of

biotin but unless you're consuming egg

yolks

liver kidney which I don't think anyone

that I know eats kidney or some cheeses

chances are you're probably not getting

enough of that biotin from the diet and

even the rdas for biotin or the amounts

they calculated as being adequate

amounts are not fully agreed upon in

other words we don't have enough

scientific data to really know also

there's other things that cause a

deficiency of biotin that you need to

know if you consume raw egg whites

because it locks up biotim if you're on

the ketogenic diet your de demand for

biotin goes up because of how much fat

that you're consuming and how much more

of an increased demand biotin is going

to be needed to deal with the fat this

could explain why someone that goes on a

ketogenic diet without necessarily

enhancing their diet with biotin could

potentially end up with either a skin

rash or hair loss or hair thinning if

someone is on an anti- seizure

medication if someone smokes or drinks

alcohol that can lower the amount of

biotin in the body if someone had

lowered stomach acids or if someone's

pregnant or breastfeeding that can

increase the demand for biotin if

someone is a super athlete and they

exercise a lot that can increase the

demand as well and also as we age we can

be more deficient there's even some

genetic issues okay that can cause you

to become deficient and a problem with

biotin related to your genes could also

be the reason why a person might need

more biotin to override that uh

interference now as you see when you buy

biotin supplements or you see them in

certain shampoos you'll see very high

amounts of biotin now is that a problem

uh not necessarily because biotin is

water salable can Biotin in a cream or a

shampoo be absorbed by your skin in the

answer is yes and the benefits of using

it as as a shampoo or taking it oral as

a pill is this if you have a subclinical

okay a slight deficiency of biotin you

may end up with thinning of the hair

hair loss and you may end up with skin

rashes primarily of your face now that's

a subclinical deficiency okay so this

could happen if you just had antibiotics

or you just are not fortified with

enough of the right microbes or you're

just not consuming enough of it from the

diet so let's say you don't eat eggs or

you don't have liver or kidneys Etc or

you're on the ketogenic diet increasing

the demand for uh biotin but that's a

subclinical deficiency a major

deficiency can create the following

alopecia which is basically an

autoimmune condition where you have

patches of hair uh that are falling off

of your head you may end up with a more

serious dermatitis or skin problem

called ECA you might even have a seizure

or have candida or even it can affect

your mood as depressed

so if you have a subclinical problem

with biotin the biotin shampoos might

help you but I wanted to give you a full

understanding about biotin so you can

start including it in the diet and even

in a supplement form now if you haven't

seen this popular video on hair loss I

put it up right here check it

out