Have you ever heard of Biotin?
I thought I haven’t until I found out that it is also called vitamin B7, and is formerly known as vitamin H or coenzyme R. I really hope scientists have made up their minds and stick with the current name! As part of the B complex group of vitamins, Biotin is essential for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. In short, B complex vitamins help the body metabolise fats and protein by converting food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose).
How I Found Out About Biotin
Before I give my biotin results, I would like to share the backstory with you. I first stumbled across Biotin just over a year ago when I was looking for a supplement to get my hair and nails back on track. I didn’t just need a quick boost to make my hair shinier or my nails stronger, I was on a wild-goose chase to get a permanent (well, sort of!) fix for my weak immune system. Long story short, my health wasn’t in a good place and my lifestyle choices during my University years didn’t contribute to my overall well-being! In spite of the fact that my whole body was suffering from malnutrition, I was extremely focused on the appearance of my hair and nails. You might say it’s vanity, but trust me when I say – it was more than that.
My way of thinking goes beyond the primary understanding of self-love. I swear by the maxim ‘Look good, feel good!’ and wouldn’t have it any other way. I cannot for the life of me count the times I’ve looked in the mirror and saw my lifeless, miserable, desperate-for-love locks. The same goes for my thin, splitting and brittle nails which seemed to be breaking out of thin air. Tell you what, the weather in the UK wasn’t (and still isn’t!) benevolent towards my haircare needs and goals. During fall and winter periods, I dreaded the thought of leaving my cosy and moist-free home every single morning only to be blown away by the humidity in the air! Oh, hello, frizzy hair!
Biotin Research
For that matter, I did my research on biotin. Naturally, we all get enough of the B7 vitamin from dairy products, leafy greens, egg yolks, legumes (soybeans) and nuts. The chance of getting a biotin deficiency is also little to none. However, getting a higher amount of the coenzyme won’t hurt, hence I decided to get myself a big bottle of the little vitamins to see what the whole buzz was about.
I went for a full year supply from Puretality. I got mine from Amazon for half the price – just under £15 – and for 365 softgels it’s cheap as chips! Each capsule contains 10,000mcg Biotin, taken once per day. I take mine in the morning, prior breakfast, alongside my other daily ‘drug’ dosage! FYI, the average daily B7 intake is 30mcg, hence you’re getting 333% increase by drinking one of these capsules. For the freakouts reading this, I would like to ease your mind – according to Oregon State University research, biotin is being tolerated without side effects in consumption of up to 300,000 mcg per day. Onto my biotin results!
Biotin Results – 9 Months After My First Softgel
Cross my heart, my hair and nails haven’t looked better! I still have 3 months to go. Honestly, I’m scared to death to stop taking them. My biotin results are astonishing! I still get the odd seasonal hair loss, but my hair is softer, not suffering from split ends. Saying that I strongly believe that when people have a good overall healthy lifestyle and receive proper hair care, hair grows at its best rate. I take really good care of my hair now and biotin helps hair reach its full potential in terms of growth. I don’t abuse my locks vigorously with heating tools anymore. Furthermore, I apply a lot of masks, hence I’m only giving partial credit to the B7 vitamin.
My nails, on the other hand, have improved significantly – they are very strong, look thicker and healthier. Now this, I can blame it on my biotin supplements! I can also support my statement by an actual research! According to Medical News Today, ‘In one study, 8 people with brittle nails were given 2.5 mg of biotin per day for 6 to 15 months. Nail thickness improved by 25% in all 8 participants.’
However, don’t rely solely on these capsules, even though my biotin results have been successful! On the other hand, I’ve read so many reviews from people who say that their biotin results were actually lacking any results whatsoever. Read the label, please! This is a dietary supplement, not a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. You need to properly start taking care of yourself and your body! Trust me, I’ve learned it the hard way. Eat healthily, exercise regularly and take good care of your gorgeous locks and nails. I’ve also decided to take a break from my heating tools! Only then you’ll see the full benefits of any supplements you take!
Have you tried biotin? If so, how did it go? Share your biotin results in the comments section! If not – I dare you to go and get yourself biotin-ed! 😉
x Mariya
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