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Vitamin Biotin
Description:
Biotin is one of the vitamin B-complex vitamins. It is a cofactor for many enzymatic reactions occurring in mammalian cells. Biotin is needed for growth, maintenance of skin, nerves, sex glands, bone marrow, and sebaceous glands.
Until recently, biotin was not recognized as being clinically significant because it was believed that the gastrointestinal bacteria produced a sufficient amount of biotin for the body’s needs. In the early 1970’s however, an inborn error of biotin metabolism was reported and, shortly thereafter, other biotin deficient individuals were recognized.
Biotin is stable when food is stored or processed.
Method of Action:
Biotin is involved with the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. It is used as a coenzyme for the removal of carbon dioxide from oxaloacetate, succinate, malate, and aspartate; it is also used in biosynthesis of citrulline, aspartate, and unsaturated fatty acids, and in other reactions involving the transfer of carbon dioxide.
Biotin in enzymes is usually connected to a lysine residue. There are nine known enzymes which require biotin to function, but only four of the nine exist in mammalian cells; the other enzymes are found in microoganisms.
Properties & Uses:
Biotin has been used successfully to treat seborrheic dermatitis in infants in the United States and Europe. Inconclusive results have been achieved in the treatment of other skin and scalp disorders, such as baldness.
Toxicity Levels:
Biotin is essentially nontoxic to humans.
Recommended Dietary Allowances:
RDA for adults: 150 to 300 mcg
RDA for children: unknown
Biotin is taken orally for biotin deficiency.
Food Sources:
Liver
Yeast
Nuts
Chocolate
Eggs
Chicken
Salmon
Mushrooms
Corn
Cauliflower
Soybeans
Wheat
Rice
Garbanzos
Barley
Deficiency Symptoms:
Dermatitis
Nervousness
Anorexia
Anemia
Ashen Pallor
Fatigue
Depression
Sleepiness
Skin Diseases
Hair Loss
Nausea and Loss of Appetite
Increased Blood Cholesterol
Muscular Pains and Slower Reflexes
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome