Patient One Biotin supplies 8 mg of Biotin, an essential, water-soluable B-vitamin that has a beneficial effect on a number of structures and functions in the body. It is best known for its positive effect on hair and nails but also plays a role in supporting glucose metabolism by stimulating glucose-induced insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells and by accelerating glucose metabolism in the liver.
Biotin is found in small amounts in many foods. Deficiency in biotin is difficult to detect because of the lack of assay techniques to determine biotin concentrations in the blood. Symptoms of deficiency include thinning of the hair (frequently with loss of hair color), dry, brittle fingernails, and red scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Biotin deficiency has been linked to impaired glucose tolerance and decreased utilization of glucose. On the other hand, the diabetic state appears to be ameliorated by pharmacological doses of biotin. A clinical study reported that high dose administration of biotin helped promote healthy glucose metabolism, and a number of animal studies support this claim. Likewise, pharmacological doses of biotin appear to decrease plasma lipid concentrations and modify lipid metabolism.
Studies have also shown that biotin is supportive of nervous system function, including nerve cell health. Additionally, clinical studies have revealed that biotin may adjust the cellular arrangement of the nail bed, helping to reinforce the keratin structure, promote strength and thickness, and reduce splitting.
