The Beauty of Biotin

Biotin is a stable B vitamin that functions in the metabolism of macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Other names for biotin include vitamin B7, vitamin H, or coenzyme R. Biotin is a coenzyme involved in the creation of nucleic acids and fatty acids.

Additionally, biotin is an important factor in the creation of fats, specifically for adequate fat production in the body. Even though biotin is responsible for the production of fat, it is not stored in the fatty tissues. In fact, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, nontoxic, and excreted from the body.

Currently, there is not a recommended daily amount (RDA) for biotin “because there is not enough evidence to suggest a daily amount needed by most healthy people.”¹ However, an adequate intake level does exist: for men and women 19 years and older and for pregnant women is 30 micrograms daily. Lactating women need 35 micrograms daily.

Association with Hair, Skin and Nails

Biotin is often promoted to strengthen hair and nails and it is a well-established nutrient in the beauty space. In fact, nearly half (46%) of all global launches with biotin in the product description were launched in the beauty since 2015. One in five were in beverages with nearly 10% in food and the remaining in pet.² However, although most commonly associated with beauty, there is a lack of clinical evidence in the area to reach a conclusive determination on this benefit with supplementation specifically.³

Biotin’s association to skin health is due to its work with the other B vitamins to promote skin health. The skin demands fatty acids for adequate moisture and protection. Thus, a biotin deficiency causes the skin to become extremely dry and can also lead to brittle nails and thinning hair; hence the association.⁴

Blood Sugar

Biotin plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism, thus some scientists automatically think that biotin based foods help stabilize blood sugar levels. It has been proposed that low biotin levels causes an impairment in the hormone insulin. However, the evidence of biotin’s role in blood sugar regulation is limited. Some research has been conducted on the supplementation of biotin with potential to “improve glycemic control.”⁵ To date, there is limited evidence that biotin alone can have a benefit in blood sugars.

Sources of Biotin

The requirement of biotin is minimal because the gut can actually recycle and synthesize the vitamin. Biotin is available in the food and supplement form.

Food	Serving Size	μg of biotin
Egg	1 boiled	25 μg
Almonds	¼ cup	15 μg
Sweet Potato	1 cup	9 μg
Tomatoes	1 cup	7 μg
Whole grain bread	1 slice	6 μg
Cauliflower	1 cup	4 μg

Functionally Optimized Biotin Ingredients

While many consumers may not understand the research behind the benefits of biotin, the association is clear among consumers and it is a demanded ingredients in a variety of applications. Biotin may require additional processing in order to optimize performance in formulations.

Triturated biotin provides a more uniform blend resulting in a reduction in the overages needed and assurance that the level of biotin sought will test out accurately. This optimized Biotin can be used in a variety of food and non-food related items, functional beverages, and it can be utilized in cosmetics and topical skin products.

Glanbia Nutritionals expertise in functionally optimizing ingredients, like biotin, may be just what your next product formulation team needs to succeed. Watson Functionally Optimized Nutrients are vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, sweeteners, carbohydrates, fats (oils), botanicals, fibers and acids designed to provide specific functionality and benefits as desired by the customer.

References

1-3. Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Biotin – Vitamin B7. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/
2. Mintel, Global New Product Database, August 2021.
3-4. Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Biotin – Vitamin B7. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/
5. Hemmati, Mitra et al. “Survey of the effect of biotin on glycemic control and plasma lipid concentrations in type 1 diabetic patients in Kermanshah in Iran (2008-2009).” Oman Medical Journal vol. 28,3 (2013): 195-8. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679599