Biotin and Diabetes
Common Names: Vitamin H.
One of the least well-known of the B-complex vitamins, biotin was originally referred to as "vitamin H." Biotin was discovered in late 1930s and early 1940s research when chicks fed diets high in raw egg white consistently developed skin rashes and lost the hair around their eyes. When egg yolk was added to the chicks' diet, these symptoms disappeared. Today, we know why. Researchers have identified a substance in raw egg white - a sugar and protein-containing molecule (glycoprotein) called avidin - that can bind together with biotin and prevent its absorption. Food scientists have also identified the egg yolk as one of the most dense sources of biotin in the diet. Biotin is involved in the metabolism of both sugar and fat. In sugar metabolism, biotin helps move sugar from its initial stages of processing on to its conversion into usable chemical energy. For this reason, muscle cramps and pains related to physical exertion, which may be the result of the body's inability to use sugar efficiently as fuel, may signal a biotin deficiency. The role of biotin in fat metabolism is discussed below under the heading "Synthesis of Fat (Fatty Acids)."
Important Research and opinions on Biotin and diabetes.
Yale study
A daily supplement of chromium picolinate and biotin improved glucose tolerance by 15 per cent, compared to placebo, says a new study from Yale University.
The study looked at the effect of the commercially available Diachrome supplement (Nutrition 21) on the glycaemic control and blood lipids of 36 overweight or obese people with type 2 diabetes.
Read more at:
http://nybc.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/chromium-and-biotin-supplementation-may-help-control-diabetes/
Biotin and sugar metabolism
Biotin is involved in the metabolism of both sugar and fat. In sugar metabolism, biotin helps move sugar from its initial stages of processing on to its conversion into usable chemical energy. For this reason, muscle cramps and pains related to physical exertion, which may be the result of the body's inability to use sugar efficiently as fuel, may signal a biotin deficiency. The role of biotin in fat metabolism is discussed below under the heading "Synthesis of Fat (Fatty Acids)."
Read more at http://www.kyani.net/legacy/pops/sunrise-pop.htm
Biotin research in Japan
People with Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes may prove to be a different story. When Japanese researchers studied the biotin and blood sugar levels of people with diabetes, they found that the higher someone's blood sugar, the lower his level of biotin. They also noted that people with diabetes have significantly lower biotin levels than people who don't have the disease. Nobody knew quite what this meant, but the researchers wanted to see what would happen if they raised biotin levels in those with diabetes. So they gave nine milligrams (9,000 micrograms) of biotin to 18 people with diabetes every day for a month.
The result? After 30 days, the participants' blood sugar levels fell to nearly half of their original levels.
Read more at http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/10/2.cfm
Biotin and diabetes
In several studies, biotin supplementation has been shown to enhance the performance of insulin, the hormone that plays a critical role in helping your body incorporate blood sugar. The supplements can also increase the activity of an enzyme, glucokinase, which the liver uses early in the process of utilizing blood sugar, says Michael Murray, N.D., a naturopathic doctor and co-author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.
Read more at: http://www.mothernature.com/Library/bookshelf/Books/23/13.cfm
Stanford info on Biotin and blood sugar
In several studies, Biotin supplementation has been shown to enhance the performance of insulin, the hormone that plays a critical role in helping your body incorporate blood sugar. The supplements can also increase the activity of an enzyme, glucokinase, which the liver uses early in the process of utilizing blood sugar.
Read more at
http://stanford.wellsphere.com/complementary-alternative-medicine-article/biotin-and-diabetes/416423
Information on natural ingredients found in DiaMetrix.
|
