Monday 26 September 2011

Benefits of Biotin in Treating Hair Loss

Biotin is a nutrient, sometimes referred to as vitamin H or B7. It’s not usually considered an essential vitamin, because intestinal bacteria can produce it. But because of the overuse of antibiotics and other antibacterial agents, there may be a deficiency of bacteria in the intestines, which would lead to a deficiency of the vitamin.

Although there are many dietary sources of the nutrient, the body can’t readily absorb it. It has been estimated that only about 20–40% of the B7 vitamins in foods is absorbed into the bloodstream, primarily because it’s bound to protein. This is another reason that deficiencies are believed to be common.

Biotin hair loss supplements are recommended because the nutrient is necessary for the production and normal growth of human hairs. The major symptom of biotin deficiency is thinning of the hair and eventually baldness that may spread from the scalp to other parts of the body, in severe cases.

If you want to see results, a biotin hair loss supplement is not the only thing to consider. There are topically applied treatments that have been proven effective time and again.

The next useful idea relevant to this area: One of the most effective treatments is a topical product called minoxidil. Minoxidil works by improving blood flow to the follicles, which produce the hairs.

One more insightful point in regard to this area of interest: Like some other parts of the body, the follicles go through active and resting stages. But sometimes they remain at rest longer than they should. Minoxidil seems to wake them up, so to speak.

For many years, balding was thought to be an inevitable part of the aging process, particularly for people with a family history of baldness. Now, with biotin hair loss supplements and topically applied minoxidil, it appears that we can prevent that part of the aging process. Clinical studies have shown that men in the early stages of male pattern baldness stopped losing hair and even had some growth, with continued treatment.

It isn’t necessary to see a doctor to get biotin supplements or minoxidil. It’s available over-the-counter. You can even order it online. Some companies combine the 2 treatments and include other beneficial ingredients in their supplements.