Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin critical to several bodily functions. Its importance stretches beyond foot health to hair growth, nail growth, and many other health benefits. Biotin can be made available to the body’s systems through dietary sources or supplements.
What is Biotin?
Biotin operates as a bodily coenzyme responsible for speeding up the metabolism of core food classes such as proteins, fat, and carbohydrates.
Biotin is highly significant for how the nervous system functions, and is also related to the health of the skin, feet, and other organs and systems. Furthermore, biotin is helpful in synthesizing fatty acids and amino acids.
Benefits of Biotin for Foot Health
Biotin is essential for foot health in many ways, including:
- Promoting Skin Health: Biotin is essential to maintaining healthy skin. Since our feet are covered with skin, you can be sure biotin is important here, too. It aids in protecting against foot-related infections and diseases that have the skin as an entry point.
- Supporting Nerve Function: Because of the intricate network of nerves in our feet, having enough biotin can assist in maintaining normal nerve function and lower the chance of neuropathy.
- Fortifying Nails: Biotin is beneficial for the toenails and fingernails alike. To stop toenail infections and ingrowths, this vitamin strengthens the nail, lessens brittleness, and promotes growth.
- Promoting Muscle Regeneration: Many different muscles in the feet can become strained or injured. Foot injuries can heal more quickly thanks to biotin’s role in muscle regeneration and repair.
Sources of Biotin
Now that you know how valuable biotin can be in maintaining health, here are some ways you can obtain this vitamin naturally in your diet:
- Egg yolks
- Whole grains
- Edible mushrooms
- Nuts and seeds
- Banana
- Cauliflower
In cases where people do not get enough biotin from their diets, they could take supplements instead. However, we strongly recommend you consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before starting any supplement regimen.
Recommended Daily Intake
This is not straightforward, as some variables contribute to the recommended daily biotin intake. Age, sex, and pregnancy are key determinants, but adults should aim for 30-100 micrograms daily.
Biotin deficiency is rare, as it is readily available in many daily foods. Fortunately, the body recycles much of the biotin it has already used, keeping it in your body for a long time.
Conclusion
Biotin is essential for the proper functioning of the human body and contributes to the overall health of the feet. Ensuring a sufficient daily intake of biotin, especially through diet, has many benefits for foot health. ♦
Podiatrist newsletter article provided by LRW Media. Images provided by Shutterstock and Pexels/Antoni Shkraba.
