Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the body’s metabolic processes. It helps us to break down carbohydrates, fats and amino acids into useful substances such as glucose and fatty acids. It also helps to regulate bad LDL cholesterol and blood sugar.

Few healthy people who eat a balanced diet will find themselves biotin deficient. The condition, which can lead to symptoms such as skin rashes, hair loss and brittle nails, is usually experienced by people taking certain medications such as anti-seizure drugs and antibiotics (because the gut bacteria which produce biotin are damaged), those with chronic intestinal issues and specific genetic conditions. Studies have shown that pregnant women may also be at increased risk of biotin deficiency.

In these situations, doctors may test for a deficiency and prescribe biotin supplements as a solution. But outside of these medical scenarios, most people who take biotin do so for the purported hair, skin and nail benefits.

Biotin and lab test results: the common side effect of hair, skin and nail supplements you might not be aware of