Biotin Hair Growth
Biotin is a white crystalline substance called one of the B vitamins, sometimes called vitamin H for hair, and used in creams to lend
texture. It is necessary in the body for fat metabolism, health and growth. It has also been found to be one of the only
substances that when taken consistently actually stimulates fingernail growth.
Food with Biotin and Food High in Biotin
Biotin is widely distributed in natural foodstuffs. However, the absolute amounts of biotin
in foodstuffs is relatively low when compared with the other B vitamins. Some of the better food sources of biotin, are egg
yolk, liver, kidney, pancreas, milk, soya and barley. Brewer's yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which
is used as a nutritional supplement, is one of the richest sources of biotin, as well as the other B vitamins. Royal jelly,
also used as a nutritional supplement, is another rich source of biotin. Mammals and many plant species are
unable to synthesize biotin. Biotin is synthesized by bacteria, yeast and other fungi, algae and certain plant species. In
fact, the microflora of the human large intestine appear to contribute to the biotin requirements of the body.
The uncombable hair syndrome, also known as spun-glass hair and cheveux incoiffables, is a rare congenital disorder. It is
characterized by a longitudinal grooving of the hair shaft resulting in a triangular cross section (pili trianguli et
canaliculi). There is a report of biotin reversing scaling, hair loss, hair fragility, and uncombability in a two-year old
boy with the syndrome. The hair remained combable even after one year. The mechanism of action of biotin in this condition
is not known. Perhaps some cases of uncombable hair syndrome are biotin-responsive. The uncombable hair syndrome should not
be confused with cowlicks, localized patches of hair that will not comb down. The cowlick is not a forme fruste of the
uncombable hair syndrome, nor is there any evidence that biotin has any effect on cowlicks.