When it comes to the growth of hair, nails, and skin, many adults tend to focus on themselves. However, some hair vitamins for kids such as biotin are also necessary for a child’s growth. There are several different ways that biotin may be incorporated into your child’s daily routine. These methods can help strengthen bones, build muscles and even improve eyesight.
What exactly is Biotin and how does it work? Where can it be found naturally? And is it really necessary for kids? In this article, we will provide all the answers!
Contents
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-complex. It is also known as vitamin H or coenzyme R. The human body cannot make biotin by itself, so it must be consumed in the diet. It is found naturally in many foods such as eggs, liver, soybeans, brewer’s yeast, some plant products, and meat.
It is also produced by the body’s intestinal bacteria. Biotin is important for the growth and health of hair, skin, and nails. It helps to break down food into energy and is needed for the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
The first use of biotin was in the treatment of hair loss. In fact, it is often referred to as vitamin H because it has been shown to help maintain healthy hair. Studies have also found that biotin helps to promote nail growth. It’s often added to dietary supplements as hair vitamins for kids to help them grow healthy hair and nails.
Is Biotin Necessary for Kids?
Biotin is an essential vitamin for kids, it helps children’s cells use and store energy from food. It is also needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system and metabolism. Dietary intake of biotin can provide the following benefits to your kids:
Hair Health
Hair vitamins for kids are an important part of their overall health and well-being. Biotin is a key nutrient for hair health and is found in many over-the-counter hair vitamins for kids. It helps maintain a healthy scalp, promotes hair growth, and helps protect against dandruff.
Skin Health
Skin is the largest organ in the body and it’s important for the health of our immune system, Biotin can help improve the appearance of the skin of your child by strengthening the structure of skin cells, which is very important. If kids have unhealthy skin, germs and bacteria can come through breaks in their skin, making them a lot more susceptible to illnesses.
Nails Health
Biotin supports healthy nails for your child by promoting nail growth and preventing brittle nails.
Energy production
Children need biotin because their body needs to convert food into energy which includes converting protein into amino acids and converting carbohydrates into glucose. Biotin is also needed for enzymes that help break down fat and convert sugar into energy. Without biotin, some of these functions may not be carried out.
Speak with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s biotin levels.
Read more here about the benefits of Biotin : 15 Greatest Benefits of Biotin (Vitamin H) For Health, Hair, and Skin
Risks Of Biotin Deficiency In kids
A lack of biotin for kids can lead to hair loss, skin problems, and a weakened immune system. Symptoms of a biotin deficiency also include dry, itchy skin and hair, slow growth, poor wound healing, joint pain, and in some cases depression. Biotin is essential for kids’ bodies to break down food into energy. It is found in eggs, meat, nuts, and other foods.
Biotin deficiency is rare in children, but it can occur in the ones who don’t eat enough biotin-rich foods or who have a problem absorbing biotin. Infants, children, and pregnant women are more likely to have a biotin deficiency.
Biotin deficiency can cause a condition called Pellagra (pronounced: Pella-RAJ). It is caused by a lack of niacin in the diet, and it can be serious or even fatal. It can also cause significant damage to the nervous system.
Biotin supplements can come in handy to avoid these problems for subjects who are prone to develop a biotin deficiency.
Natural Sources Of Biotin for kids
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many natural sources. Some good sources of biotin include nuts, seeds, legumes, and certain vegetables. These are some of the best natural sources of biotin for kids:
- Beans and pulses such as soybeans, chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, black-eyed peas, black-turtle beans, and others.
- Liver, especially from organ meat (in moderation).
- Eggs (especially the yolks).
- Mushrooms, especially shiitake and other forms of dried mushrooms.
- Dairy products.
When biotin is ingested, it is absorbed in the intestines and is carried to the liver where it attaches to specific proteins called transferrin. Once attached to transferrin, biotin is transported throughout the body, bound to certain other proteins (known as transport proteins), and deposited into certain body cells such as hair, skin, and nails.
Hair Vitamins for Kids: Do Kids Need Biotin Supplements?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the need for biotin supplements varies from one child to another. Some kids may benefit from taking biotin supplements, while others may not need them. Kids who take biotin supplements may have better growth and development. If you are concerned that your child may not be getting enough biotin, speak with your pediatrician.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend biotin supplements for children younger than 4 years old, as research suggests that some forms of biotin are not easily absorbed by the intestines of young children.
How Much Biotin Should Kids Be Taking?
The recommended amount of biotin for children is between 30 and 100 mcg per day. This amount is determined by the age and weight of the child.
Children between the ages of 4 and 6 need to take 25 mcg of biotin each day. Children aged from 7 to 10 years need to take 30 mcg each day, while adolescents over 10 should have at least 30mcg and not more than 100mcg per day.
Are Biotin Supplements Safe for Kids?
Biotin has been around in the supplement market for years, but recently some parents have inquired about the safety of these hair vitamins for kids such as biotin supplements, especially those marketed for children. Biotin supplements are safe for children as long as they are given under medical supervision and meet FDA standards. However, they should not be used as a replacement for vitamins and minerals that a kid may be lacking from their diet.
What are the Possible Side Effects of Biotin Supplements?
Some studies suggest that taking too much biotin can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and other side effects. However, these side effects are not common and they are usually mild. If these symptoms persist for a long period of time, consult a doctor as soon as you can.
Conclusion
It is crucial to have a healthy diet for your kids. The foods they eat will affect their health and development. Biotin is considered one of the most important nutrients to include in your child’s diet, It not only helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails but also boosts the immune system of your kids. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that biotin is one of the most popular vitamins among children.
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