Biotin basics

What a deficiency of the water-soluble vitamin—a nutrient naturally present in food—can do to your hair, skin & nails

- VAISHALI DAR

In the absence of this vitamin, many problems erupt. Biotin promotes healthy brain function, helps control inflammation and allergies, stimulates production of keratin, provides strength to hair follicles, is essential for scalp rejuvenation, and boosts nail growth and strengthens it," she adds.

Keratin is a protein that not only strengthens the hair but also helps with unnecessary breakage. "Stronger hair means less breakage and split ends," says Anshita Mehrotra, founder of hair care brand Fix My Curls. "The reason some people seem to have faster hair growth is because biotin helps your body produce more keratin, which in turn promotes healthier and potentially faster growth. From improving texture and shine to reducing dryness and brittleness, biotin contributes to the overall appearance and feel by keeping follicles healthy and preventing unnecessary hair loss. It also supports the health of hair follicles, which are responsible for holding hair in place," she adds.

Diet done right

Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj recommends the use of supplements for dull, dry and itchy skin, hair fall, or brittle nails. She also advises a blood test to detect the levels of biotin. But a good diet can also help in bringing back biotin levels to normal, she says.

"An easier way is to have a good diet like a boiled egg, avocado, legumes, lentils, green vegetables, fruits, dry fruits—all very rich in biotin. Being rich and anti-inflammatory, vitamin B7 is very helpful for hydration of the skin, for improving the appearance so that the skin looks younger, for the nails to be brighter and less brittle, and for the hair to be shinier and thicker," says Bhardwaj.