We think it’s time to learn more about this vitamin.

Biotin. Biotin. Biotin.

A bit of an ‘it’ word at the moment for those looking for an answer to getting some decent hair growth or brightening up their dull or damaged hair. You might have seen an influencer with their heavenly Rapunzel like locks sharing the impact biotin has made on their hair health... but hang on a sec... what exactly is biotin?

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin (also known as B7 and vitamin H) that is found in a wide range of foods. This vitamin helps enzymes in our bodies break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food that we eat. The word biotin actually stems from the ancient Greek word ‘biotos’ which means ‘life’ or ‘sustenance’. Interestingly, this is basically what biotin is responsible for in our bodies...

- Healthy hair, skin, and nails

- Processing the nutrients from our food

- Releasing energy

- Normal nervous system

Yes, you heard us right. Healthy hair! Biotin has the magical powers of strengthening, protecting, and promoting our hair health. This is how it accomplishes this...

- By strengthening and thickening hair

- By protecting us from breakages, promoting hair length

- By promoting healthy hair and scalp, and improving volume and scalp coverage

- By potentially preventing hair loss by reducing inflammation

Where can I find biotin?

It is important to note, the majority of people will be able to source a good level of biotin in the food they eat generally if they are eating a healthy varied and balanced diet. Here are some foods which are rich in biotin...

- Cooked eggs

- Nuts and seeds

- Sweet potato

- Spinach

- Broccoli

- Mushrooms

- Avocados

- Legumes (beans, peas and lentils)

- Salmon

- Pork

- Beef liver

As we mentioned earlier, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it can’t be stored inside our bodies. Because of this, we need to ingest biotin through the food that we eat. Excess biotin in our body we just end up weeing out - you might even notice your wee being a bit of a funky neon yellow colour! This tends to happen when we take supplements that contain biotin. Which leads us on to supplements...

Biotin supplements for hair

So, you may have heard of keratin? It’s a basic protein that is found in our hair, skin and nails. Last time you purchased a hair product you might have seen on the label that it was enriched with keratin. The reason for this, keratin strengthens hair, prevents breakage, protects from heat and of course, manages frizz. Research has identified that biotin can strengthen the keratin infrastructure inside our bodies, linking it with strong and healthy hair.

Biotin is something that can either be taken orally through a supplement, or it can be used topically as an ingredient in a shampoo. A study from 2015 investigated women experiencing alopecia, who were given an oral Marine Protein Supplement (MPS) that included biotin, or they took a placebo (seems real, but isn’t) pill twice a day for 90 days. Pictures were captured of the affected areas on the scalp at the beginning and the end of the study. Each participant’s hair was also washed, and any shed hairs were counted. Results showed that

women who had taken the MPS (which included biotin) encountered significant hair growth in the area that had been affected by hair loss and less shedding. Biotin therefore appears have a real effect on women are suffering from biotin deficiency.

Biotin deficiency

True biotin deficiency is extremely rare, yet if you are suffering from any of following symptoms, it may suggest you have low levels of the vitamin:

- Thinning hair

- Red, scaly rash around eyes, nose and mouth

- Conjunctivitis

- Brittle nails

- Skin infections

- Exhaustion

- Hallucinations

- Numbness and tingling of the arms and legs

Being biotin deficient is higher among...

- Those living with alcoholism: The absorption of biotin is reduced by long term daily consumption of alcohol, meaning these individuals will showcase low levels.

- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: It can be expected during this time to have lower than normal levels of biotin.

- Those living with chronic health conditions: These can often limit someone’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals properly, even if you are eating a balanced diet they still can’t get enough of what they require.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and/or fall into these categories and are concerned you might be biotin deficient, we would advise you to visit your GP. Just to let you know, you will need to have a blood test to determine whether you are biotin deficient.

GLOWWA can help

Our HAIR FOOD vitamins provide daily nutritional support for longer, healthier hair growth, improved condition, and shine. These capsules contain a natural blend of hair specific ingredients including Biotin, B12, Zinc, L-Lysine, MSM, Niacin, B5, B6, Vitamin C and Coconut Water for the ultimate at home healthy hair treatment.

After consistent regular use our customers have reported many of the following benefits:

- Healthy Hair Growth

- Reduced Shedding

- Improved Condition

- Increased Shine

- Healthy Glowing Skin

- Stronger Nails

- Wellbeing benefits

Results can often be noticed as little as 12 weeks, with optimum results being achieved from consistent ongoing use. Hair Food can be used all year round to support and maintain your healthy hair growth journey.