How to make Biotin gummies at home for hair growth: Benefits, recipe and what science says

Biotin gummies have become one of the most sought after supplements for those looking to get thicker, stronger and healthier hair. They’re chewy, colourful and often marketed as a tasty alternative to capsules, promising everything from less hair loss to faster hair growth. The market is flooded with biotin gummies, but the problem is, they often contain refined sugar, artificial colours, flavourings, preservatives, stabilisers and gelling agents to improve shelf life, texture and appearance. While these ingredients help make the gummies more appealing, they aren’t always necessary, especially if you’re looking for a cleaner, homemade option. The good news is that you can make simple biotin gummies at home with a biotin supplement and a few kitchen ingredients. But before we get into the recipe, it’s worth taking a look at what biotin actually does, and what research says about its role in hair growth.Why people obsessed with healthy hair are obsessed with biotinAccording to hair and beauty expert Manju Walia, “Biotin is no magic potion but vitamin B7 or vitamin H. It is basically a water-soluble vitamin used by the body to convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. It also helps the body produce keratin, a structural protein that makes up hair, skin and nails. Biotin is often marketed as a hair growth vitamin because keratin is needed for healthy hair. But the scientific evidence paints a more nuanced picture.” According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, ” Biotin supplements may be beneficial for those who have an underlying biotin deficiency. Under such circumstances replenishing adequate levels of biotin can improve the quality of the hair and reduce hair loss.”

Biotin for healthy hair (Canva)

However, for healthy people who eat enough biotin in their diet, there is little evidence that taking additional biotin will increase hair growth or thickness. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) also says that true biotin deficiency is rare as the vitamin is widely available in foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon, sweet potatoes and legumes. However, this doesn’t mean biotin gummies are ineffective. Alternatively, they may be most helpful to people whose hair problems are associated with a deficiency of biotin intake or increased nutritional needs. Hair health is affected by many factors including genetics, hormones, iron status, protein intake, stress, sleep and general nutrition.Why make them at home when market shelves are flooded with them?You can control exactly what goes into homemade gummies. Unlike many of the store-bought versions, homemade versions can be free of:

You can also add fresh fruit juice to personalise the flavour and adjust the sweetness to taste.

Recipe for Homemade Biotin GummiesIngredients

Method

These gummies generally stay fresh for about a week if refrigerated.

Many other things are required for a healthy hair (Canva)

Tips for the Best Homemade Gummies

Homemade gummies do have a number of benefits, but the amount of nutrition will depend on the fruit juice used.Vitamin H (Biotin)Biotin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and helps maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. This is especially useful for those who have low levels of biotin.Vitamin COrange, strawberry or mixed berry juice will provide you with vitamin C, which helps your body produce collagen and absorb iron—both important for healthy hair.GelatineGelatin consists of amino acids such as glycine and proline which are used in collagen production. There is still little research done on gelatin and hair growth, but collagen is known to promote skin and connective tissue health.Less sugar contentYou control the sweetness so home-made gummies often contain a lot less sugar than many commercial products.No artificial additives When you make your own gummies you don’t have to add the preservatives, artificial colours and flavour enhancers that are often found in processed supplements.Foods that naturally contain biotinEven if you love biotin gummies, it’s also important to get nutrients from a balanced diet. Biotin occurs naturally in many sources, such as:

Other nutrients needed for strong and healthy hairThere’s far more to hair growth than just one vitamin. What you need for healthy, strong hair:Protein: Hair is mainly composed of a protein called keratin. Too little protein can also lead to hair thinning.Iron: A lack of iron is a frequent cause of hair loss, especially in women.Zinc: Aids in tissue repair and maintaining healthy hair follicles.Vitamin D: Some studies have found a link between some types of hair loss and a deficiency of vitamin D.Omega-3 fatty acids : These healthy fats help keep the scalp healthy and also help reduce inflammation .Things to rememberBiotin is generally considered safe, as excess is excreted in urine. However, very high doses may interfere with certain laboratory blood tests, including tests used to assess thyroid function and heart conditions. Tell your health care provider that you take biotin supplements before you have blood tests. Those who are experiencing sudden, severe or persistent hair loss should seek medical advice, rather than relying on supplements alone. Hair loss may be caused by thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases or certain medications and require proper diagnosis and treatment.The dosage suggested on the label of the biotin supplement should also be observed. Bigger is not always better, especially if you’re already getting your daily nutritional needs.