Biotin is a part of the B complex vitamins. It helps your body burn and digest fats from your diet. Biotin is produced in your intestines from the bacteria but it is also present in foods that you eat. Things like egg yolks and liver are two common sources of biotin in your diet. As with all vitamin supplements, if you take too much it can be damaging to your body. Before you start taking biotin, find out what the safe biotin doses are for you.
Biotin is routinely given to people who are being tube fed to help them digest their foods as well as people who are suffering from mal nutrition and in some cases, pregnant women.
Another big reason many people like to take biotin is because it can strengthen your hair and fingernails. For anyone who suffers from dry, breakable hair and nails, you know how annoying that can be. The right biotin doses may be able to offer some relief.
Sometimes low energy levels can lead to depression. Taking a biotin supplements may be able to correct that problem. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a little higher dose.
Dry skin is yet another possible side effect of a diet that is lacking in vitamin B. Conditions like eczema and seborrheic dermatitis can be possible side effects of biotin deficiency. Sometimes, taking a biotin supplement can help enhance the appearance of your skin.
One thing that is very important to keep in mind, not just with a biotin supplement but with all types of supplements, is that there really is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
Any supplement taken in the right dosage can provide some benefits for you, but if you take too much of a supplement you can actually do serious damage to your body. In some cases an overdose can result in death.
So, just because you are in a hurry to alleviate some of these conditions, don't think that it is ok to go crazy. Don't think that if you load up on the biotin it will help clear up your problems quicker. That is not the case but you could end up having a severe reaction and it might make your issues worse.
Another thing you must remember is that even though biotin is a naturally occurring vitamin, you can still have some possibly harmful drug interactions if you are taking other medications or supplements.
Some known bad interactions come when you try to take biotin and alcohol and antibiotics. If your doctor has prescribed a biotin supplement, make sure you let her know what other prescription and over the counter pills and supplements you are taking.
Never assume your doctor remembers everything you have ever told him. Your doctor sees a lot of patients and probably doesn't remember every little aspect of your health, it's up to you to let him know what other medications you are taking so he can warn you, if necessary, if there could be potential interactions.
Take the proper biotin doses, as recommended by your doctor, and you should be able to get all the benefits without any harm.