Biotin Deficiency and Inflammation: Keys to Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails

 by Paul Bernitt, DHH

Today we’re taking a deeper look into biotin deficiency and how it can lead to inflammation in the body. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays a major role in helping our body turn food into energy, keeping skin, hair and nails strong, and maintaining a healthy nervous system. But when the body lacks biotin, it can trigger inflammation, leading to a range of symptoms that can affect daily life.

Thankfully, products like Nopalea®, made from the prickly pear ruby red Opuntia ficus-indica, have been shown to help reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Combined with biotin supplementation, it can support recovery from biotin deficiency and improve overall health.

Understanding Biotin Deficiency and Inflammation

Biotin deficiency can happen for a variety of reasons. People who are at risk include those with certain digestive disorders, individuals on long-term medications that interfere with biotin absorption, and even pregnant or breastfeeding women who need extra biotin. When biotin levels drop too low, the body can’t produce enough energy or keep up with essential bodily functions, which can lead to inflammation.

Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation Due to Biotin Deficiency

1. Skin Irritation and Rashes: One of the first signs of biotin deficiency is red, scaly skin, especially around the eyes, nose and mouth. This irritation is a type of inflammatory response that occurs when the skin cells aren’t producing enough fatty acids to stay smooth and hydrated. This dryness can lead to rashes that may look red and feel itchy.¹
2. Joint and Muscle Pain: Low biotin levels can cause muscles and joints to become sore or stiff. This pain is caused by inflammation in the muscles and joints, a sign that the body is struggling to keep up with energy demands. Without biotin to help turn food into energy, cells may become inflamed and more sensitive to pain.²
3. Fatigue and Weakness: When biotin is low, the body has trouble creating enough energy, which can make you feel tired and sluggish. This lack of energy can also cause inflammation in tissues, leading to that heavy, weak feeling in the muscles.³
4. Digestive Issues: Biotin deficiency can affect the digestive tract, sometimes causing inflammation in the intestines. Symptoms may include bloating, stomach pain and even nausea. When biotin levels are restored, these symptoms often improve as the inflammation subsides.⁴
5. Mood Changes and Brain Fog: When inflammation affects the nervous system, it can lead to changes in mood or even brain fog, where thinking feels slow and unfocused. This is because biotin helps keep nerves healthy, and without it, nerve cells can become inflamed, impacting brain function and overall mood. ⁵
6. Brittle Nails and Hair Loss: Hair loss and brittle nails are also symptoms of biotin deficiency, often worsened by inflammation around the hair follicles and nail beds. Without biotin, the cells responsible for growing strong hair and nails can become irritated and inflamed, leading to weaker strands and nails.⁶

How Inflammation Affects Biotin Levels

Inflammation can further lower biotin levels because it makes it harder for the body to absorb vitamins. Chronic inflammation, especially in the gut, may prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients like biotin, even if they are present in your diet. This creates a cycle of deficiency and inflammation that can be tough to break without additional support.

How Nopalea Can Help with Inflammation

Nopalea is a drink made from the fruit of the nopal cactus, which is naturally rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds called betalains. These betalains have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and may help relieve some of the symptoms of biotin deficiency by lowering inflammatory markers. Here’s how the antioxidants and betalains in Nopalea may help:

1. Reducing Joint Pain and Muscle Soreness: Nopalea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown in a double-blind placebo-based study to ease joint and muscle pain, improve range of motion, reduce CRP, the marker for measuring inflammation in the body, and reduce reliance on pain medication.⁷ 

By reducing inflammation, Nopalea may help people feel more comfortable and support recovery in additional ways.⁷

1. Improving Skin Health: Nopalea’s antioxidants may also help reduce skin inflammation, making it a great addition to a biotin supplement routine. Together, they can help improve the skin’s moisture and reduce redness, helping to clear up the irritation caused by biotin deficiency.
2. Supporting Digestive Health: Inflammation in the gut can make it harder to absorb biotin and other vitamins. Drinking Nopalea can help soothe the digestive tract, potentially improving nutrient absorption, which may make it easier for your body to use biotin and other essential vitamins.
3. Enhancing Energy and Reducing Fatigue: Since biotin helps create energy, taking a supplement to restore normal levels can bring energy back to the body. Combined with Nopalea’s inflammation-fighting benefits, this can further support a balanced energy level by reducing the fatigue and weakness caused by inflammation.

Restoring Biotin Levels with Supplementation

For people experiencing symptoms of biotin deficiency, taking a biotin supplement can be an effective way to boost levels back to normal. Pairing biotin supplements with Nopalea can provide a balanced approach to managing both deficiency and inflammation. Biotin supplements help restore the vitamin directly, while Nopalea’s anti-inflammatory properties can ease discomfort and improve overall wellness.

Final Thoughts: Building a Healthier Routine

Biotin deficiency can lead to inflammation that affects various parts of the body, from the skin to the muscles and even the brain. By recognizing these signs and taking steps to restore biotin levels, we can support our body’s natural functions and feel our best.

For those looking for a natural way to manage inflammation while supporting biotin levels, adding Nopalea to your routine may be worth considering. As always, talk to a healthcare provider to make sure the combination is right for you. Remember, staying informed and listening to your body are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle.

With the right support and care, you can enjoy a healthier, more energetic life—free from the discomfort of inflammation and biotin deficiency.

References:

1. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/biotin?utm_source
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22791079/
3. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/?
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9866305/#:~:text=Altogether%2C%20these%20results%20demonstrate%20that,may%20contribute%20to%20intestinal%20inflammation.
5. https://www.neogenesisnutrition.com/the-importance-of-biotin-in-depression-prevention-unveiling-the-nutrients-hidden-role/#:~:text=Emerging%20research%20suggests%20that%20there,chemicals%20responsible%20for%20mood%20regulation.
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5582478/
7. Jensen, G. Evaluation of Activity Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Overall Wellness. 2019. Study based on 3 ounce per day serving size.