This product is said to provide you with a maximum strength dose of biotin which has been designed for individuals who have low levels of biotin and to support a healthy carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It is also said to improve the condition of your hair, nails, and skin. In this review of Nature Made Maximum Strength Biotin, we will be looking at all the facts to see if this product lives up to the manufacturer’s claims.

Formula

This product comprises of 5000 mcg of biotin and additional fillers and binders. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that forms part of the vitamin B complex that assists with metabolic pathways by converting carbs, fats, and amino acids into glucose which the body then uses for energy. While the name may suggest that this product is the maximum strength, it is, in fact, weaker when compared to other leading brands that offer a much higher content of biotin.

Directions

Maximum Strength Biotin is presented in soft gel capsules made from gelatin and each capsule is about the size of a penny. Nature Made suggests taking on capsule daily with meals and water.

Price

You can choose between a 50 or 120 count bottle. The product can only be purchased online via third-party suppliers and each product price varies from $7.00 to $13.00, some stores offer a pack of 3 bottles for about $39.00. There were no discounts available for this product at the time of this review.

Possible Side Effects

Biotin is safe to use without any side effects however, this product contains soybean which may cause allergies. It is also advisable that you consult with your doctor first if you are pregnant or suffering from any known medical condition.

Manufacturer’s Commitment

Fortunately, there is a money back guarantee, however, you will need to contact Nature Made directly in order to find out how long it is valid for and if it applies to this specific product. It seems a bit inconvenient for consumers because you have to fill out a web form which does not even list this product just to find out any relevant information about this policy.

Nature Made Maximum Strength Biotin Review – The Bottom Line

We appreciate the fact that the product is easy to use and that the ingredients are natural, however, we do have a few concerns. The manufacturer has advertised this product as the maximum strength dosage, however, in comparison to other effective brands, it offers half the mcg of biotin that can be found in other products. Another concern is that the manufacturer has not provided any convenience in information or purchasing this product. We were unable to find a sufficient amount of positive reviews to vouch for the manufacturer’s claims. Without evidence or sufficient information, we cannot confirm that this is the most effective biotin product that is backed by a strong money back guarantee.

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This product is a daily supplement which is said to strengthen your hair, nails and promotes a healthier complexion. This product focuses on increasing your energy levels and helps to fight cognitive decline with its unique formulation of biotin. In this review of aSquared Nutrition Biotin, we aim to provide you with the factual information you need to know before deciding to purchase this product.

These are the facts:

Formula

• Biotin – 10 000 mcg
• Calcium – 176 mg

Other Ingredients

• Cellulose
• Rice Flour
• Magnesium Stearate

Directions

aSquared Nutrition is presented in capsules which are suitable for vegetarians. This product should be taken daily, the recommended dose is 1 capsule twice a day. The capsules should be taken with a glass of water 20-30 minutes before a meal or as prescribed by your doctor.

Price

A single bottle of biotin costs $24.99 for 180 capsules. There are bulk purchase discounts available if you buy more than 1 bottle. If you purchase 2 bottles, you will get a 10% discount. If you purchase 3 bottles you will get a 15% discount. If you purchase 4 or more, you will get a 20% discount. These deals are available online directly from the manufacturer and some authorized third-party retailers.

Possible Side Effects

The manufacturer has not mentioned any possible side effects associated with this product. With that being said, it is always advisable that you consult with your doctor first if you are pregnant, nursing or have any known medical condition. This product is not suitable for children.

Manufacturer’s Commitment

aSquared Nutrition offers a very limited money back guarantee on its products. You only have 30 days in which to return the product from the date of purchase and the guarantee does not cover you if you have opened the product and tested it first. This guarantee is much weaker than what other leading brands offer and does not provide you with the opportunity to see results or even test the product out first. There are no reviews which suggest that unsatisfied clients were able to get their money back.

aSquared Nutrition Biotin Review – The Bottom Line

After looking at the facts, we found a few positive aspects as well as a few negative ones. We appreciate that aSquared Nutrition has offered affordable deals on its website and that they have followed through with these deals on third-party sites, however, just because a product is affordable, it doesn’t mean it works. Biotin is potent enough to produce results on its own but we cannot confirm that the additional rice flour filler has not compromised the active natural ingredients. Rice flour is usually synthesized in a lab and has been shown to reduce the effectiveness and quality of active ingredients. While there may be various mixed reviews, we feel that the weak guarantee has not provided us with any confidence in this formula seeing that it does not cover purchases that have already been tried and tested. Based on the ingredients and weak commitment set forth by the manufacturer, we feel that this is a risky purchase that has not been backed up with any evidence that shows it is effective.

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Biotin, also known as B7, and formerly known as Vitamin H is a water-soluble vitamin, which is part of the vitamin B complex group. This group of nutrients is needed for a healthy metabolism and nerves, and for the functions of the digestive system and heart. Biotin helps the body with the digestion of glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. It works by converting these macronutrients into energy that helps with physical and psychological functioning of the body.

What are the Natural Sources of Biotin?

There are many different types of biotin, but only one occurs naturally, and that is D-biotin, which is found in food sources and is believed to be the only kind of biotin that has nutrients.
Some of the food that contains high amounts of biotin are liver, whole grain bread, mushrooms, cauliflower, raspberries, cheese, avocado, yeast, salmon and eggs.

Health Benefits of Biotin

Biotin is very important in metabolism, as it enables your body to process energy and move carbon dioxide through the cells in your body. It is also known to help strengthen hair, nails, skin, nerves and help with many other conditions.

How Does It Work?

1. Improves metabolism

Vitamin B7 supports healthy metabolism in several ways. It transforms glucose from carbohydrates and sugar into energy that the body can use; it facilitates the use of amino acids from proteins in order for the body to do various functions; and it stimulates fatty acids from foods that contain fat, such as oils or animal fats.

2. Improves glucose intolerance and balances blood sugar

Vitamin B7 has shown to contain properties that help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It achieves this by facilitating the activity of insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar in the body.

3. Supports healthy nails, skin and hair

Biotin can help strengthen hair and nails, preventing them from breaking. It also protects the skin from disorders such as acne, rashes, and dryness. Many health and beauty products contain biotin and it is often recommended as a dietary supplement for strengthening hair and nails.

4. Combats cognitive weakening and protects brain function

Biotin influences memory function and prevents cognitive mutilation diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. It does this by stimulating neurotransmitter activity and transporting nerve signals through the body.

5. Improves cardiovascular health

Vitamin B7 contributes to increasing HDL cholesterol, which is good cholesterol and to decreasing LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol. This is especially helpful for people who suffer from heart condition and diabetes.

6. Builds and repairs tissue and muscles

Vitamin B7 strengthens the muscle and tissues and helps them repair quickly when damaged. It also helps reduces inflammation, which prevents painful and stiff joints and sore muscles.

Take Home Note

Biotin is a very important nutrient that the body needs, and a deficiency can become serious or even deadly. Nevertheless, biotin deficiency cases are rare, and that is because the daily requirement is very low. Ensure that you get your daily requirement from the food. It can also be consumed through supplements.

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Besides being great for your energy levels and hair, here are more surprising facts about this super nutrient:

#1 Biotin Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

Biotin plays an important role in preventing type 2 diabetes because one of the many functions in the body biotin assists with is that it helps to produce insulin which assists with glucose metabolism. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that signals your body to absorb glucose from the bloodstream to be used as energy. When there is enough insulin, it helps to regulate, control and lower blood sugar levels and therefore decreases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

#2 Biotin Is Essential For Energy Metabolism

One of the most important roles that biotin plays in the body is that it helps various enzymes and amino acids to break down fats, carbohydrates and sugar into glucose which is then used by the body as energy. Since Biotin is a coenzyme it is also believed to speed up your metabolism by using this process and helps you to maintain a healthy weight.

#3 Biotin Is Essential For Healthy Nails, Skin And Hair

There are various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and a scaly red rash under the eyes and nose which are directly linked to a deficiency of biotin.  Biotin is responsible for synthesizing fatty acids which skin cells depend on because they require extra protection from water loss and damage.

Another side effect of biotin deficiency is hair loss and weak brittle nails. Studies have shown that biotin improves hair growth in women with thinning hair and helps to improve the condition of brittle nails.

#4 Biotin Is Essential For Fetal Development

While it is rare, it is not unheard of to develop a biotin deficiency during pregnancy due to the nutritional demands of the fetus. Studies show that biotin deficiencies in developing babies can stunt their growth and inhibit the development of the palate, upper jaw, digits, and limbs. Cradle cap is also a sign that infants may not be getting a sufficient amount of biotin.

#5 Biotin Protects The Brain

Studies have shown that Biotin and B complex vitamins help to keep your nervous system and neurotransmitters functioning properly. They also help to prevent cognitive decline and other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Vitamin B and Biotin have also been found to improve your concentration and boost serotonin levels in the brain which helps to promote a happier healthier mood.

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Why Biotin Is So Important During Pregnancy

To make it simple, your body uses your supply of biotin more quickly when you are pregnant. This actually applies to most vitamins in your body during pregnancy, which is why all pregnant women should be taking a prenatal vitamin. According to research, close to 50% of pregnant women experience biotin deficiency. It tends to happen during the third trimester, which is why you should stay ahead of the could-be and take a biotin supplement from the start. Biotin helps your body convert food into energy, in addition, your entire wellbeing. Biotin, also known as vitamin H, has a much larger role during pregnancy since it can supplement a loss of vitamin B.

Sources of Biotin

Many foods are extremely rich in biotin. Consuming these foods can help you increase your intake you vitamin H. Biotin is found in bananas, whole grains, cereals, mushrooms, raspberries, legumes, salmon, avocado, peanut butter, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, animal livers, animal kidneys, pork, and egg yolks. So, if none of these foods are a part of your diet, you may have a biotin deficiency.

Dosage

Please speak with your doctor before adding any biotin-rich foods or biotin supplements to your pregnancy diet. They usually wouldn’t cause harm but it is essential to discuss it with someone who knows your medical history and any prescribed medications you may be taking. You will also need to find out the correct dosage for yourself. Any excess amount of biotin should just leave your body through urination since it is a water-soluble vitamin. Biotin supplements may cause digestive issues or nausea side effects in some people. It shouldn’t cause any allergic reactions though.

Natural Biotin

Your body actually already naturally produces biotin. It is produced by specific bacteria. It is a crucial nutrient for normal bodily functions. The supplements, in addition, help pregnant women keep their nails and skin healthy while helping them not shed too much hair. In addition to eating a balanced diet during pregnancy, eat a ton of foods rich in biotin. It will help protect you and your child against many illnesses.

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Hair, Nails and Skin

If you are deficient in biotin, you may have brittle nails, hair that is splitting easily and breaking, and dry or irritated skin. Studies have shown that a high intake of biotin will make your weak hair and brittle nails stronger.  Biotin also protects your skin from conditions such as fungal infections and acne. It also moisturizes the skin.

Blood Sugar

Biotin assists in regulating blood sugar as it stimulates the production of insulin, as well as lowering the blood pressure of diabetics. People who are struggling to maintain healthy glucose levels will reap the rewards by consuming biotin. As it maintains blood sugar levels, biotin prevents metabolic syndrome and can also assist in the prevention of gaining weight.

Heart Health

When you consume high levels of biotin, you protect your heart from conditions such as inflammation, heart attacks and strokes. Biotin is able to increase cholesterol that is considered healthy whilst decreasing the level of cholesterol that is considered unhealthy. Diabetic patients need a high intake of biotin as they are prone to heart diseases.

Metabolism

Your metabolism functions properly when you consume enough biotin. Biotin is known for converting the consumed food into energy, thereby, stimulating the healthy function of the metabolism. Biotin converts glucose found in sugar and carbs into fuel.

Muscles

Biotin protects and develops muscles and tissues. People who have a muscle injury can expedite their repairing and rebuilding by consuming a biotin supplement or making adjustments to their diets. Biotin strengthens and stimulates the growth of muscles. Biotin reduces inflammation and as a result, it prevents sore muscles.

Cell Development

One of the functionalities of biotin is that it permits the division and growth of cells. Biotin regulates DNA formation, which enables the normal functioning of genetic information in cells. Biotin ensures the proper development of cells and DNA in a maturing fetus, thereby, decreasing the possibility of any irregularities during pregnancy.

Energy Production

One of the main functions of biotin is its role in producing energy in the body. Biotin is an essential nutrient for changing macronutrients into fuel to give strength to the cells in the body. If you do not get sufficient levels of biotin, you will have a lack of energy, therefore, you may feel weary during the day.

From the aforementioned facts, it is clear that biotin has several benefits. Adults need to ensure that they consume sufficient levels of biotin to maintain and improve their health. Consuming foods that contain biotin or supplements will ensure you get the benefits from it.

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The link between biotin and nail growth

When tested on animals such as horses and pigs, biotin supplements help to treat hoof abnormalities. This led scientists to believe that biotin can help treat brittle fingernails in humans. Uncontrolled trials on women with brittle fingernails found that when these women took biotin supplements, they experienced increased fingernail thickness and reduced fingernail splitting. Larger and more controlled trials are still necessary to completely establish the link between biotin supplementation and improved nail growth, but the evidence that all of these studies offer is quite reasonable to suggest that biotin can help with nail growth.

Biotin doesn’t necessarily help nails grow faster (they grow about one millimeter a month), but because of the decreased splitting and increase in their thickness, they grow more steadily and do not break as easily, which can speed up the overall process if a person is trying to grow their nails.

How biotin features in everyday health

Deficiencies in biotin can have a range of health effects. The affected tissues are often hair, nails and skin. Biotin deficiencies may, therefore, cause hair loss, dry and scaly skin and brittle fingernails. Other symptoms of a biotin deficiency include a rash around the mouth, nose and eyes.

A number of factors have been associated with biotin deficiency. Prolonged consumption of egg whites, anti-seizure medication and antibiotics have been shown to interfere with biotin absorption. Conditions like Crohn’s disease may also have an effect on its absorption.

During pregnancy the bodies need for biotin is likely to increase, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. This is because it is broken down more quickly. Reduced biotin intake during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects and abnormal development of an embryo or fetus.

Sources of Biotin

Food sources of biotin include cooked liver and egg yolk. Uncooked egg can reduce biotin absorption so be sure to cook the egg properly. A 3 oz. serving of liver contains 27 to 35 micrograms of biotin which is about 100% of the recommended daily intake for adults. One egg yolk contains about a third of the recommended daily intake.

There are also biotin supplements available for people who cannot obtain enough through food sources. Potential customers should always pay attention to the manufacturer of the supplement to see if they are trustworthy. Trustworthy manufacturers are completely transparent about what they put in a supplement as well as what guarantees are offered on the supplement.

Conclusion

There is a reasonable amount of scientific evidence to suggest that there is a link between taking biotin and improved nail growth. Some people may be getting enough biotin through their diet, but for those who experience brittle fingernails that break easily taking biotin is definitely a consideration.

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What do B-complex vitamins do?

The B-complex vitamins work in collaboration with each other to metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, so that body cells have the energy to function well. One of these B-complex vitamins, biotin, has the role of metabolizing carbohydrates. However, adding extra biotin to a B-complex supplement will not provide more energy.

• The impact on nerve and blood health

B-complex vitamins function to support blood and nerve cells. Vitamins B6 and B12, as well as niacin, assist with the production of red blood cells. These cells are vital in carrying oxygen for distribution to body tissues. Vitamin B7 or biotin also has an impact on oxygen, in that, when levels drop, anemia may result.

Furthermore, thiamine and B12 are essential for healthy nerve and brain function. When these vitamins are lacking, nerve damage can result.

• Healthy skin, nails and hair

The B-complex vitamins (especially B1, B2, B3, B6 and B7) ensure healthy skin, nails, and hair. A deficiency in any of these vitamins can result in rashes, brittle nails, or hair loss.

What if you take more than the recommended dosage of vitamin B supplements?

Taking more than the recommended dosage of vitamin B supplements will not provide you with extra benefits. As this vitamin is water-soluble, an excess supply will simply be excreted through the urine. What can be problematic, however, is that an overdose of vitamin B5 can affect the absorption of vitamin B7. As a rule, 30 micrograms of biotin each day is sufficient for adults. This includes all sources, both food, and supplements. If extra biotin is taken in addition to a good diet and a B complex supplement, this will not lead to any side effects nor will it impede the functioning of the B-complex vitamins. Possible causes affecting the bacteria in the gut could be antibiotics that kill the good bacteria in the gut. So too, alcohol can interfere with the absorption of biotin. In addition, it should also be remembered that, unlike with vitamin C, for instance, the body produces biotin via bacteria in the gut. Having a biotin deficiency is very rare. A biotin deficiency may, therefore, imply that there is a lack of the proper bacteria in the gut for production of this vitamin. There could also be a gut-health issue, more than simply a biotin deficiency.

The bottom line

As a rule, obtaining vitamins from food is normally best. Meats, dairy, eggs, vegetables, nuts, bananas, mushrooms, and cauliflower, are all good sources of B vitamins. The B-complex is naturally balanced: adding extra B vitamins will not provide additional benefits. Instead, if the gut is functioning optimally, through following a healthy diet, this will ensure that you produce the right amount of biotin, and that your vitamins are absorbed efficiently.

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Many men suffer from hair loss or a receding hairline as they begin to age. These men may be looking for treatments for this hair loss – pharmaceutical or natural. In this article, we explore how effective biotin might be in reducing the effects of male pattern baldness.

Causes of baldness and male pattern hair loss

One of the causes of hair loss and subsequent baldness is a biotin deficiency. But this is not necessarily what happens when men experience male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is caused by hormones and its onset is linked to the person’s genetics.

The main hormone that has been implicated is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a byproduct of testosterone, which means that when the body produces testosterone, a small amount of DHT is released into the blood. In the scalp, there are receptor molecules for DHT and a notable sensitivity of these receptors to DHT is what causes male pattern baldness. The front of the head and the crown of the scalp have the most receptors so they are normally the most affected. Due to genetics, everybody’s sensitivity to DHT is different, so every man may experience a different time of onset of male pattern baldness.

There is a small chance that the hair loss that a man is experiencing is related to a biotin deficiency. The key thing that differentiates them is the associated symptoms. A biotin deficiency includes symptoms of red scaly skin around the eyes, nose and mouth. In severe cases, lethargy, numb limbs and seizures can occur. Another sign is brittle nails that crack easily. But a biotin deficiency is extremely rare in men.

Effects of biotin on male pattern baldness

From our current knowledge, biotin has no interaction in the metabolism of testosterone, so It cannot reduce the effect of DHT on hair loss. But it does definitely have a positive effect on hair growth. If biotin is taken with a medication or supplement that blocks DHT, it could most certainly improve hair growth in a man who experiences male pattern baldness.

It’s still a good idea to try biotin

Scientific studies are quite clear about the fact that biotin helps people to grow thicker hair at a quicker rate. Most of the studies were conducted on women and may have limited implications in men, but other research has shown that taking in higher levels of biotin than the recommended daily intake is safe and so this could help to mitigate this difference. Since biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, it is excreted daily, so constant levels need to be consumed in order to see the effects. For this reason, it is better to look at supplements than too try and get it from your diet. It is also unlikely to help if it is an ingredient in a shampoo, so oral supplements really are the best option.

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Dietary sources of biotin include whole grains, nuts, fish, pork, fruits and vegetables and cooked eggs. The recommended daily intake of biotin for adults is 30 micrograms. There are a number of things that could contribute to reduced biotin absorption such as smoking, certain kinds of medications, genetic conditions and eating raw eggs. There is no link between a biotin deficiency and being overweight, but biotin has many other roles that are important in health and maintaining a healthy weight.

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is vital to the normal functioning of the human body. It has a role in the metabolism of nutrients and even which genes your body’s cells express. It is involved in the process of making fat and glucose and the process of breaking down amino acids.

How biotin affects the factors that contribute to weight

The cause of weight gain is basically the metabolism of excess calories. Excess calories are stored as fat. When a person eats, it generally causes their blood sugar levels to rise which causes the release of insulin. Insulin stimulates the storage of the leftover calories, when cells have fulfilled their energy requirements. Another phenomenon that occurs with being overweight is a higher level of circulating blood lipids (fats). Biotin has a role in all of these processes.

In order to synthesize fat, the body needs to use an enzyme called acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). ACC contains biotin. A study in mice determined that a lower level of ACC resulted in reduced fat production. But biotin is also part of an enzyme that breaks down amino acids in order to make new glucose, which is a reverse set of pathways to storing glucose as fat. These examples essentially show antagonistic roles of biotin.

Consistent high blood sugar is one of the causes of obesity and can be a risk for type 2 diabetes. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2013 found that taking biotin improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity in rodents. Another study found that the combination of chromium and biotin did the same thing. However, there have also been studies that found that there was no improvement in blood sugar levels when supplementing with biotin.

Being overweight is also associated with higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk having a heart attack or stroke. Researchers have found high doses of biotin and chromium reduced levels of triglycerides in diabetic patients. Another study which looked at both diabetic and nondiabetic patients had similar findings.

Conclusion

It is quite difficult to get a clear-cut link between biotin and weight gain or weight loss because of the variety of roles that it has in the body. Researchers have found contradicting evidence about the relationship between biotin and blood sugar levels. However, they have found clear evidence that biotin reduces circulating levels of unhealthy cholesterol. At this current point in time, scientific evidence essentially points to the fact that it is important to get the right amount of biotin to allow proper and healthy functioning of the body. When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and sufficient exercise, biotin may contribute towards weight loss.

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