Biotin

Biotin structure

Biotin-3D-balls

Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It's an essential nutrient, meaning that the body cannot synthesize it and must obtain it from the diet. Biotin is a crucial component of several enzymes (known as carboxylases) that are involved in the breakdown and utilization of these macronutrients for energy and tissue development.

Sources of Biotin[edit | edit source]

Biotin is found in a variety of foods, with the highest levels typically found in yeast, whole milk, egg yolks, and organ meats such as liver and kidney. Other sources include nuts and seeds, sweet potatoes, and certain types of fish. As it is water-soluble, it can dissolve in water and thus needs to be consumed daily to maintain sufficient levels in the body.

Function in the Body[edit | edit source]

Biotin plays a key role in various metabolic reactions in the body. These include:

Fatty acid synthesis: Biotin is a key component of enzymes involved in the production of fatty acids.
Gluconeogenesis: This is the process of producing glucose from sources other than carbohydrates, like amino acids and fats. Biotin-containing enzymes help initiate this process.
Amino acid breakdown: Biotin-containing enzymes are involved in the metabolism of several important amino acids, including leucine.
Cell signaling and gene regulation: Biotin plays a role in cell signaling and the regulation of gene expression.

Biotin Deficiency[edit | edit source]

While biotin deficiency is rare due to its wide availability in various foods, it can occur in individuals with genetic disorders that affect biotin metabolism, in those consuming raw egg whites over a prolonged period (as a protein in the egg whites binds biotin and prevents its absorption), or in those with certain conditions that result in malabsorption of nutrients. Symptoms of biotin deficiency can include skin rashes, hair loss, brittle nails, lethargy, and neurological symptoms like depression, numbness and tingling, and hallucinations.

Biotin and Cancer[edit | edit source]

Biotin is present in larger amounts in some cancer tissue than in normal tissue. Some researchers believe that biotin's role in cell proliferation might make it a useful tool in cancer treatment. Attaching biotin to substances used to treat some types of cancer could help these treatments find and target cancer cells more effectively. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm these potential benefits.

Recommended Intake[edit | edit source]

The recommended daily intake of biotin varies based on age, gender, and life stage. For adults, the average recommended intake is 30 micrograms per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may require slightly higher amounts. Most people in the United States get enough biotin from the foods they eat, and deficiency is relatively rare.

Biotin Supplements[edit | edit source]

While biotin is available as a dietary supplement, most people can get enough from their diet. However, supplements may be recommended in some cases, such as biotin deficiency, brittle nails, or during pregnancy. It is essential to note that taking biotin supplements can interfere with certain lab tests and may lead to incorrect results. Therefore, it is crucial to inform healthcare providers about any biotin supplementation.

Safety and Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Biotin is considered relatively safe, even at high levels of intake. However, high doses can cause skin rashes, digestive upset, problems with insulin release and skin reactions. In some cases, high levels of biotin can also interfere with lab tests and cause misleading test results, especially for cardiac troponin levels, which could lead to misdiagnosis of a heart attack.