2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Biotin is one of the most famous vitamins of vitamin B complex. It was discovered in the late 30's, early 40's and was originally called vitamin H. Nowadays it is also known as vitamin B7.
Functions of biotin
Energy production - Biotin is involved in the metabolism of sugar and fat. In sugar metabolism, biotin helps move sugar from its initial stage of processing to its conversion into usable chemical energy. For this reason, muscle spasms and pain associated with physical exertion can be the result of the body's inability to use sugar effectively as fuel and are a signal of biotin deficiency.
Fat synthesis (fatty acids) - many of the classic symptoms of deficiency of biotin include skin problems related to the role of biotin in fat synthesis. Biotin is needed for the function of an enzyme in the body called acetyl Co-A carboxylase. This enzyme puts together the building blocks for the production of fat in the body.
When cellular fat components cannot be created properly due to a deficiency of biotin, skin cells develop problems. In young children, the most common symptom of biotin deficiency is dermatitis, a skin condition in which a crust of yellowish / whitish spots appears around the scalp, head, eyebrows and skin behind the newborn's ears. In adults, there is also a similar skin condition called seborrhea.
Supports the activity of the nervous system - Because glucose and fat are used to create energy within the nervous system, biotin is an auxiliary vitamin in this area. Numerous nervous symptoms are associated with a deficiency of biotin. These symptoms include seizures, lack of muscle coordination (ataxia), and lack of good muscle tone (hypotension).
Benefits of biotin
Biotin can play an important role in the prevention and / or treatment of the following diseases: hair loss; intestinal imbalances, including intestinal inflammation, intestinal irritation, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and chronic diarrhea; nervous disorders, including seizures, ataxia (movement characterized by a lack of muscle coordination) and hypotension (movement is characterized by a lack of muscle tone); skin diseases.
Recommended daily dose of biotin
Biotin is a well-known vitamin, but its exact dosage still varies and needs to be clarified. The European Food Council takes 150 mcg for the maximum daily intake. Many American experts in the field recommend doses of 30 to 100 mcg per day. Diabetics have very low stores of vitamin B7. To lower their blood sugar levels, doctors prescribe up to 15 mg per day, which is 100 times more than what the European Food Council recommends.
Biotin deficiency
In addition to the deficit of biotin - containing foods in the diet, insufficient dietary intake of vitamin B5 can lead to a functional deficiency of biotin, as B5 works together with biotin in many metabolic situations. Intestinal problems should also be considered as a possible symptom of biotin deficiency.
Consumption of raw egg white can also contribute to a deficiency of biotin, as avidin, a glycoprotein substance in egg white, can bind to biotin and prevent its absorption. When cooking egg white, this binding of biotin to avidin becomes impossible.
About 50% of pregnant women suffer from a deficiency of biotin, which may increase the risk of birth defects. Anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine may interfere with the absorption of biotin.
Symptoms of deficiency of biotin include the appearance of a red rash around the eyes, mouth, genitals and hair loss. Neurological symptoms such as limb stiffness, lethargy, depression, hallucinations may occur.
Biotin overdose
Like other B vitamins, overdoses of vitamin B7 are excreted in the urine without having a very serious toxic effect.
Sources of biotin
An excellent source of biotin are tomatoes, lettuce and carrots. Very good sources are the following foods: almonds, eggs, chicken, onions, cabbage, cucumbers and cauliflower. Good sources are goat's milk, cow's milk, raspberries, strawberries, oats and walnuts.
Egg yolk is one of the largest sources of biotin in food.
Biotin is relatively stable when exposed to heat, light and oxygen. However, a highly acidic environment can change the properties of this vitamin.
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Biotin Deficiency
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin known to us as vitamin B7. It was discovered in the first third of the last century, and its name is taken from the Greek word bios, which translates as life. The vitamin with the name of life helps in the synthesis of fatty acids, amino acids and glucose.
Foods Containing Biotin: Why Are They So Useful?
Bioton is another name for vitamin B7. It can also be found as vitamin H. Biotin is water-soluble and is produced by bacteria in the colon. Because it is water-soluble, it cannot be stored in the body. With biotin deficiency in the body, some health problems can occur.
