Improves health of hair, skin, and nails.

Biotin (vitamin H, vitamin B7) is of great importance for the biochemistry of the human organism. Biotin helps in the synthesis of fatty acids, in energy metabolism, and in the synthesis of amino acids and glucose. Biotin serves as an essential coenzyme for four carboxylase enzymes, each of which is important in metabolism. Biotin is an important vitamin for helping certain enzymes in the body. The primary role of biotin is in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

The primary role of biotin is in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Biotin functions as a critical component of several enzymes (where it functions as a coenzyme) involved in energy metabolism (such as pyruvate carboxylase). Biotin helps in the synthesis of fatty acids, in energy metabolism, and in the synthesis of amino acids and glucose. Biotin is also involved in making glucose, some amino acids and in energy production. Vitamin H plays a special role in enabling the body to use blood sugar (glucose), a major source of energy for body fluids. Biotin supplements may improve thin, splitting, or brittle toe and fingernails as well as hair health. Biotin has also been used to combat alopecia (partial or complete loss of hair) in both children and adults. Biotin is typically included in most multi-vitamin supplements.

Biotin is used to treat the biotin-responsive inborn errors of metabolism holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency and biotinidase deficiency. Large doses of biotin may be given to babies with a condition called infantile seborrhea or to patients with genetic abnormalities in biotin metabolism. Biotin supplements are sometimes given to help reduce blood sugar in diabetic patients. People with type 2 diabetes often have low levels of biotin. The major benefit of biotin as a dietary supplement is in strengthening hair and nails. Biotin supplements may improve thin or splitting toenails or fingernails and improve hair health. Some skin disorders, such as "cradle cap," improve with biotin supplements. Biotin has also been used to combat premature graying of hair, though it is likely to be useful only for those with a low biotin level. Biotin has been used for people in weight loss programs to help them metabolize fat more efficiently.