Biotin, a B vitamin, is found in egg yolks.
Biotin, part of the B complex group of vitamins, helps your body metabolize and digest fats, carbohydrates and amino acids. The bacteria in your intestine produces biotin, and you can also get it in foods like egg yolks and liver or through vitamin supplements. Few people experience a deficiency of this vitamin, but biotin supplements are often given to women during pregnancy, those experiencing rapid weight loss or malnutrition and tube-feeding patients to ensure they continue to metabolize their foods correctly.
Cosmetic Effects
Biotin can strengthen hair and nails for those with brittle nails or hair that breaks easily. Those taking an increased amount of biotin for this purpose should only take small doses of the vitamin for a short period of time to see results.
Effects on Depression
Because biotin helps metabolize food to give your body energy, a lack of it could lead to lower energy levels and depression. Your doctor might prescribe an increased dosage of biotin to help your depression, especially if you're experiencing something that leads to biotin deficiency such as rapid weight loss or long-term tube feeding.
Dry Skin
If you suffer from a dry skin condition such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, it could be a side effect of an inherited or temporary biotin deficiency. Taking biotin supplements or eating egg yolks and liver that are high in biotin can reverse this deficiency and help you live a life without suffering as much from your dry-skin condition.
Drug Interactions
Even though there aren't any known side effects of biotin, avoid excess alcohol and antibiotics if your doctor has prescribed . The interaction won't produce any health- or life-threatening side effects, but the alcohol and the antibiotics prevent your body from absorbing and using the biotin effectively, according to Nutritional Supplement Guides.
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