By: Jack Whalen
Biotin is a unique supplement that is commonly used in combination with various other ingredients. Many people probably have never heard what Biotin is (including me at first), what it does for the body, or what type of foods or supplements it is in, but chances are they consume Biotin daily. Biotin, or vitamin H/B7 as some call it, is part of the B vitamin complex, which helps the body metabolize amino acids, fats, and carbs. Biotin, in particular, has a secondary effect of strengthening hair and nails. Along with your body making some of it naturally, Biotin can be found in various foods and supplements. Biotin also may benefit ADHD and Autism because of its benefits.
Like other b vitamins, Biotin helps metabolize and produce energy, but let's take a more in-depth approach to how Biotin works within the body. Biotin is like a helper molecule in our bodies. It works with specific enzymes to make important things happen. One of its key jobs is turning food into energy and building fats. Biotin also helps to make sure our blood sugar stays steady by helping to make glucose from other substances. It even has a role in breaking down certain amino acids. Besides, it's often known for keeping our hair, skin, and nails healthy. Biotin is like a behind-the-scenes worker, helping our body run smoothly. There are some incredible foods and supplements packed with Biotin. Think of foods like eggs, almonds, sunflower seeds, lentils, and soybeans as some of the best options for Biotin. Adding these to your diet is an easy way to boost your biotin intake naturally. But biotin supplements and multivitamins are available if you need more biotin power or if your diet has some limitations. They can be super helpful for folks who need extra Biotin for specific health reasons or because of their dietary choices.
Biotin indirectly helps improve focus and cognitive function by converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from our diet into glucose. Glucose serves as an energy source for both our cells and the brain. Additionally, Biotin regulates blood sugar levels through its involvement in gluconeogenesis, which generates glucose from carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and glycerol. Doing this helps prevent drops in energy and keeps our focus steady. Additionally, Biotin contributes to the creation of fatty acids, vital for building cell membranes throughout the body, including in the brain. A maintained brain structure, supported by Biotin, can enhance signaling and promote the production of neurotransmitters. This may lead to improved functions, like concentration and focus, which is why it can benefit people with ADHD.
Although Biotin does not directly enhance brain function, its involvement in energy production and cell maintenance can indirectly contribute to clarity, alertness, and overall cognitive performance. When there is a lack of Biotin (vitamin B7), it may potentially lead to issues related to autism since the brain is particularly susceptible to biotin deficiency. While studies are limited on Biotin and autism, a study tested supplementation of Biotin on PPA-induced autism-like rats. Biotin has shown promise in reducing stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines while improving learning and memory in individuals with autism traits. It is worth considering Biotin as an agent that could positively affect the biochemical, behavioral, and molecular aspects associated with autism. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that this study was conducted on rats induced with autism symptoms using PPA, so further research is necessary to understand the impact of Biotin on patients with autism. Overall, Biotin has shown positive results associated with ADHD and Autism. Increasing the amount of Biotin may be beneficial not only to people with ADHD and Autism but also to anyone who may be deficient.
Bibliography
Nutritional considerations of ADHD & autism. Nutritional Considerations of ADHD & Autism. (2012, January 23). https://www.spectracell.com/blog/posts/bid-74091-nutritional-considerations-of-adhd-autism
Sahin, K., Orhan, C., Karatoprak, S., Tuzcu, M., Deeh, P. B. D., Ozercan, I. H., Sahin, N., Bozoglan, M. Y., Sylla, S., Ojalvo, S. P., & Komorowski, J. R. (2022, March 17). Therapeutic effects of a novel form of biotin on propionic acid-induced autistic features in rats. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8955994/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Office of dietary supplements - biotin. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
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