Affordable Healthcare Serie- Biotin

BIOTIN   

Biotin is also known as vitamin H or B-7 and is in the family of B-complex vitamins.  It is found to be produced by our gut bacteria.  Biotin is an essential nutrient for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.  It is a coenzyme involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids.  It is a vital nutrient for the normal development of the fetus in pregnant women and has produced promising results in lowering blood glucose levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  It does this by stimulating the secretion of insulin.  However, more scientific studies continue before there is a confirmation made between the connection of biotin to blood sugar levels.  Consult your doctor before making any drastic changes.  Diabetes is no joke!  Humans cannot synthesize biotin; we obtain it from dietary sources.  The following list indicates the percentage of biotin available to meet the daily reference intake in a ¾ to 1 cup serving.  Grow these:

Sweet Potato 29% of DRI

Tomatoes 24% of DRI

Legumes (lentils and peas) 40%-70% DRI at ¾ cup

Cauliflower 17% DRI (17 mcg) 

Bottom Line: Happy metabolism, blood glucose, fetal health, skin, and hair.