What is Biotin?
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Biotin |
Biotin, also called vitamin H is a sulfur-containing water soluble B vitamin. It is found in foods such as soybeans, milk, and brewer's yeast and was first identified 60 years ago. Biotin is necessary for all living organisms.
The processing of food decreases biotin levels.
Biotin is also produced in the intestines by what are called friendly flora (bacteria). These beneficial "flora" are found naturally and are said to comprise as much as 2 lbs. of overall body weight. They occur naturally in the intestines or what is commonly referred to as the gut. The availability of biotin from the friendly flora in the gut is affected by alcohol and antibiotics, two things commonly consumed by many people. Antibiotics are used to eliminate harmful bacteria from the body but cannot discriminate between the friendly bacteria that the body needs and the harmful bacteria. Because of the crucial role it plays, the loss of friendly flora can significantly reduce the body’s ability to produce biotin.
Other things prevent necessary biotin availability. The protein called avidin, found commonly in raw egg whites binds to biotin so that it cannot be absorbed by the body.
What does Biotin do?
Biotin is believed to improve the funcion of beta cells in the pancreas and increase the uptake of glucose into the liver and muscles. Glucose is used by the body for fuel and is derived from carbohydrates. When glucose cannot be absorbed by the cells, it reults in excessive glucose being present in the blood. This excess glucose can result in increased body fat and increased free radical activity which can damage tissue throughout the body.
Biotin is also involved with the release of insulin into the bloodstream based on the level of glucose present. Insulin is a substance produced by the pancreas and aids glucose getting into the cells to be used to supply energy. Insulin is produced by beta cells in the pancreas. Biotin appears to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin and is involved in the use of glucokinase in the liver.
Glucokinase is an enzyme produced in the body that helps to metabolize sugar (glucose). Biotin is also necessary for the body to process fat and protein as well as being necessary for healthy hair and nails. Diabetics, whether they be type II or type I, have been found to have significantly lower levels of biotin than healthy individuals with normal glucose levels.
Although it has been believed that most people get enough biotin from their diet and there are few symptoms of biotin deficiency, why then does research indicate a direct correlation between diabetes and biotin deficiencies. The Linus Pauling Institute reported improvement in glucose levels with the use of biotin supplementaion. Additional research on biotin supplementation has reported that blood glucose levels can be reduced through the use of biotin.
