Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that acts as a coenzyme during the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and in hormone and cholesterol synthesis. It also aids in the utilization of folic acid, pantothenic acid, and Vitamin B-12
300 mcg
Biotin deficiency is extremely rare, and is usually caused by rare congenital diseases that prevent metabolism of the vitamin. People who eat large quantities of raw eggs may have biotin deficiency because Avidin, a protein in raw egg whites, inhibits biotin absorption. Cooked eggs do not cause this deficiency.
Symptoms of deficiency include extreme exhaustion, drowsiness, muscle pain, loss of appetite, depression and grayish skin color.
Unused biotin is excreted by the body and no known toxicity levels have been reported.
Biotin should be taken as part of a B-complex supplement.
Beef liver, egg yolk, whole grain cereal, and soybeans, milk and nuts. Bacteria in the intestine also produce a significant amount of biotin, which is usable by the body.
Biotin may be taken or used to treat brittle nails, diabetes or cradle cap.
Biotin may improve blood-sugar control so might reduce the need for insulin in diabetics. Anticonvulsant drugs may decrease biotin levels.
Said HM.
Cellular uptake of biotin: mechanisms and regulation.
J Nutr. 1999 Feb;129(2S Suppl):490S-493S. Review.
This was an interesting article that spoke of how the body absorbs biotin. Someday I will study enough biochemistry to actually know what it was saying.