Biotin and the French MS Trials
Biotin is part of the B-complex group of vitamins which help convert food into fuel. A French Pharmaceutical company is currently running trials on how Biotin could be used as an MS Treatment or MS Therapy.
The Effects of Biotin
Biotin (also known as vitamin H) is part of the B-complex group of vitamins that help the body convert food into fuel. Healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver depend on B-complex vitamins, and, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center’s website, “They also help the nervous system function properly.”
Although it’s rare to be biotin-deficient, symptoms can include hair loss, dry eyes, dry or scaly skin, fatigue, and insomnia. Certain conditions such as Crohn’s disease can lead to biotin deficiency due to problems with vitamin absorption.
Since there is potential for drug interaction, you should consult your doctor before you start supplementing with biotin.
Long-term use of antibiotics can kill certain gut bacteria responsible for biotin production, and anti-seizure medications can lower biotin levels in the body.
Even in high doses, this water-soluble B vitamin doesn’t have any known side effects and is considered to be nontoxic.
Medday Trials
French Neurologist Frederic Medel (amongst others) under the Pharmaceutical company MedDay are currently running trials. Measuring how Biotin effects different symptoms of Progressive forms of Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS and SPMS).
Although Biotin could not be considered an MS Cure it could well be considered an effective Multiple Sclerosis Treatment or Multiple Sclerosis Therapy. It is known to be associated with energy production in the axons, thereby increasing the signal strength of the nerves. Kind of like turning the dimmer switch up on a light bulb! It is also thought that biotin may aid in Myelin production, aiding in the repair of damaged nerves.
Here is the Manuscript MedDay submitted to (and was accepted by) Neuropharmacology Journal which forms the crux of their theories and research. MedDay hypothesize "that high dose Biotin is exerting a therapeutic effect in patients with progressive MS through two different and complementary mechanisms: by promoting axonal remyelination by promoting myelin production and by reducing axonal hypoxia through enhanced energy production". In short (and laymen terms), the two mechanisms are repairing the insulation around the nerves (the myelin) and increasing nerve signal strength (turning the voltage up to make the light bulb glow brighter).