Does vitamin B7 cure cancer?
Information circulates on social media according to which cancer is caused by a “vitamin B7” deficiency. Some hospitals integrate this substance into their cancer treatments.
What is vitamin B7?
Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is vital for the metabolism and functioning of the body. It is a component of several enzymes responsible for several crucial metabolic pathways in the human body.
Where to find that vitamin?
Even in small amounts, you find it in various foods. That includes walnuts, peanuts, cereals, milk, and egg yolks. Other foods that contain this vitamin are whole-meal bread, salmon, pork, sardines, mushrooms, and cauliflower. Fruits that contain biotin include avocados, bananas, and raspberries. A healthy diet generally provides the body with sufficient amounts of biotin.
Health benefits
For metabolism
Biotin is essential for the body's metabolism. It acts as a coenzyme in the metabolic process.
Vitamin B7 promotes proper nervous system function and is essential for liver metabolism as well.
To strengthen hair and nails and in skincare
Biotin is a dietary supplement to strengthen hair and nails, as well as in skincare. Biotin helps cell growth and the maintenance of mucous membranes. Although biotin may be present in certain cosmetics, it is vital to remember that it cannot be absorbed through skin, hair, or nails.
To maintain blood sugar level
Some tests have shown that people may be susceptible to biotin deficiency[1]. Biotin is a crucial factor in the synthesis of glucose. It can help maintain an appropriate blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes patients.
What is the dosage?
The suggested daily amounts in the US Food and Nutrition Table are six micrograms for a child up to age six months, 30 micrograms for adults 19 years and older, and 35 micrograms for breastfeeding women. Studies have shown that people consume on average 36 micrograms of biotin daily, meeting the recommended average intake above. A health professional can recommend different amounts to treat vitamin B7 deficiency.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no adverse effect on the body if people take up to 10 milligrams of biotin daily. Moreover, no research has so far shown the possibility of overdosing on vitamin B7. Since it is soluble in water, excess amounts are not stored in the body and are instead flushed out through the urine.
Can we say that the vitamin Biotin cures cancer?
According to what we read in the National Cancer Institute it says that Biotin is a nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Biotin helps some enzymes break down substances in the body for energy and helps tissues develop. It is found in yeast, whole milk, egg yolks, and organ meats. Biotin is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Not enough biotin can cause skin, nerve, and eye disorders. Biotin is present in larger amounts in some cancer tissue than in normal tissue. Attaching biotin to substances used to treat some types of cancer helps them find cancer cells.
[1] Zempleni J, Hassan YI, Wijeratne SS. Biotin and biotinidase deficiency. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Nov 01;3(6):715-724