What is Biotin?

What is Biotin?

Biotin, or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin considered part of the B-complex. Biotin is necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Biotin can be obtained from a variety of foods including soybeans and other legumes, egg yolks, nuts, and organ meats. It is also produced naturally in the body by intestinal bacteria.

Excessive consumption of alcohol, refined foods and egg whites, as well as long-term antibiotic usage can deplete the body’s biotin levels. Egg whites are a problem because they contain the protein avidin, which inhibits biotin absorption. This may be of importance to dieters who favor the use of egg-white omelets in an attempt to reduce caloric intake. Epileptics requiring anti-convulsive medication are also susceptible to biotin deficiencies, as are alcoholics. Both groups would benefit from increased biotin supplementation.

Benefits of Biotin:

Daily supplementation of biotin has been found to lower blood glucose levels and may be useful in controlling diabetes, and, in particular, its long-term associated health problems such as diabetic neuropathy.

Low biotin levels have been linked to the occurrence of eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions; thus, supplementation may be helpful in the treatment of these ailments. Common symptoms of deficiency include dry skin, fungal infections, mild depression, generalized aches and pain, nausea, and vomiting. Supplementation with biotin has also been found to prevent hair loss, premature graying, cradle cap, and brittle nails.

Biotin is water-soluble and the body requires regular daily intake. Excess amounts are harmless and are excreted in the urine. No toxicity or side effects have been reported.