So, what is biotin?

Biotin has gotten a lot of attention over the past few years as a remedy for thinning hair, brittle nails, and dry, itchy skin. B vitamins, including biotin, help keep your eyes, liver, and nervous system healthy and in good working order. Biotin is sometimes prescribed by doctors for other conditions such as alleviating diabetes, diabetes-related nerve damage, and some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It is a critical nutrient during pregnancy because it encourages embryonic growth.

So, what is biotin? Biotin is one of the B complex vitamins, the job of which is to convert your food into energy. Biotin is found in many foods, including eggs, milk, nuts, grains, and mushrooms. It works by converting the carbohydrates, fats, and protein in food into the energy needed by your body to function.

Most people are able to get the recommended daily allowance of 30-100 mcg per day of biotin by eating a healthy diet, but many people have started taking biotin supplements to promote the growth of healthy hair, nails, and skin. While preliminary studies may indicate that there maybe benefits to taking biotin supplements, there have been studies that have also shown some negative effects as well.

Do the pros outweigh the cons?

The question then becomes do the negatives of biotin outweigh its benefits? The “biotin pros” are that it provides an important source for creating energy as well as helping to support and maintain the overall health of your body. Studies have found that biotin may be effective in treating certain medical conditions such hypoglycemia and hyperlipidemia as well as helping with glucose control in type 2 diabetics.

The claims that taking biotin results in healthier skin, hair, and nails makes taking a biotin supplement an attractive option, but, it can result in unwanted side effects. The “biotin cons” are that is can cause problems if you’re getting tested for thyroid issues, vitamin D levels, or cardiac troponin levels, an enzyme which is used to diagnose heart attacks. Taking biotin can interfere with test results, leading to a misdiagnosis and/or incorrect treatment.

Some other side effects from taking biotin are unwanted hair growth on your back, breasts, and chin. Some people experience an allergic reaction which manifests as a skin rash.

A better solution

If the cons of taking biotin outweigh the pros for you, there is an alternative to biotin that you can take without having to worry about negative side effects. Silica is a safer alternative than biotin, serving the same function in your body as biotin, is better tolerated, and, most importantly, does not interfere with any medical testing.
Studies have demonstrated the role of silica in increasing the flexibility of all of your body tissues including connective tissue, cartilage, hair, skin, nails, and blood vessels. It’s a major element of collagen which helps to preserve skin elasticity.

By taking Silica Plus, a dietary supplement from Vibrant Nutraceuticals, you’ll ensure that you’re getting your daily silica intake of this essential mineral.