Biotin deficiency

Biotin is a B vitamin also known as vitamin H or B-7. It helps the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, which it needs to make energy. Biotin deficiency symptoms can include thinning hair, a scaly rash, conjunctivitis, and more.

Biotin also helps metabolize fat and amino acids, which the body uses to build protein. Protein is needed to repair and maintain cells.

Fast facts on biotin deficiency:

Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B-7, is one of the B group of vitamins.

Biotin plays a role in embryonic growth, so it is vital during pregnancy.

A deficiency is treated with oral biotin supplements.

What is biotin?

Biotin is a B vitamin, that helps the body to process carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

B vitamins help convert carbohydrates into glucose, which the body uses for energy.

B vitamins also help the body process fats and protein, and the nervous system to function. Sometimes referred to as B complex vitamins, they are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and for liver functioning.

Biotin is available in small amounts in some foods. Additionally, the microbiome, which is the bacterial population living in the intestines, makes biotin

Similarly to all B vitamins, biotin is water-soluble. That means it dissolves in the water inside the body and cannot be stored.

Who is at risk for biotin deficiency?

People with health conditions that impact how the body absorbs nutrients, or who are on certain medications, can be at risk of developing biotin deficiency.

Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is the most common cause of biotin deficiency. BTD is a rare inherited disorder where the body is not able to use biotin and leads to biotin deficiency. It is caused by a mutation in the BTD gene. This gene instructs the body on how to make the enzyme biotinidase, which the body needs to extract biotin from food.

BTD affects approximately one in 60,000 newborn babies.

Babies with BTD tend to start showing symptoms of the condition in the first weeks or months of life. The most common symptoms include:

hypotonia or weak muscles

seizures

alopecia or hair loss

eczema

developmental delay

Between 25 and 50 percent of babies born with BTD exhibit one or more of the following:

hepatomegaly or enlarged liver

splenomegaly or (enlarged spleen)

speech problems

Without treatment, BTD can lead to a coma or be fatal.

Though symptoms of biotin deficiency typically appear in the first few months of life, symptoms can also appear later in childhood.

Conditions and medications

Certain medications or conditions may increase the risk of biotin deficiency.

Other factors that put people at risk of developing biotin deficiency include:

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of biotin deficiency start gradually and can build up over time.

Symptoms can include thinning hair, progressing to loss of hair across the body, and a scaly, red rash around body openings, including the eyes, nose, mouth, and anus. Conjunctivitis can also develop.

Adults with biotin deficiency may suffer:

seizures

skin infections

brittle nails

neurological problems, such as depression, lethargy, hallucinations, and paresthesias (pins and needles) in the extremities

How is it treated?

Legumes are a healthy, plant-based source of biotin. They are also high in fiber and protein.

While symptoms of BTD may disappear with medical assistance, a person may need to take biotin for the rest of their life.

Biotin multivitamins and supplements are available over-the-counter or online. However, a balanced diet is considered the best source of B vitamins.

An adult’s recommended daily intake is 30 micrograms (mcg), while a child’s recommended intake is 5 mcg per day. Pregnant women should aim for 35 mcg per day.

Cosmetic biotin

Biotin supplements are often promoted for hair, skin, and nail health, but there is little evidence to show that they are effective.

The human body cannot synthesize biotin. Only bacteria, molds, yeasts, algae, and certain plants can make it, so the diet needs to supply it.

What is biotin?

Biotin comes from a healthy diet.

Biotin is a coenzyme involved in the metabolism of:

Fatty acids, a type of molecule found in fats and oils

Leucine, an essential amino acid that humans cannot synthesize

Gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from molecules that are not carbohydrates, for example, amino and fatty acids

Coenzymes are substances that enhance an enzyme’s action. Coenzymes cannot trigger or speed up a biological reaction, but they help enzymes do so.

Why is it important?

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) explain that biotin is important in helping the body to process glucose and to metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also helps to transfer carbon dioxide.

Some small studies have suggested that taking a 2.5-milligram supplement of biotin for 6 months can increase fingernail strength and reduce the tendency of nails to split.

Deficiency

Biotin deficiency appears to be rare, but some groups may be more susceptible.

Biotin supplements are widely available but rarely necessary.

A deficiency can lead to:

Hair loss

A scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals

Cracks in the corner of the mouth

Sore tongue that may be magenta in color

Dry eyes

Loss of appetite

Other symptoms may include:

Depression

Lethargy and fatigue

Hallucinations

Insomnia

Numbness and tingling in the hands

Sources:

A wide range of foods contain biotin. None of them have large amounts, as is the case with some other vitamins.

Foods that have slightly higher amounts include:

Wholemeal bread is a source of vitamin B- 7.

Liver

Peanuts

Yeast

Whole-wheat bread

Cheddar cheese

Pork

Salmon

Sardines

Avocado

Raspberries

Bananas

Mushrooms

Cauliflower

Egg yolk

Processing food reduces levels of nutrients such as biotin, so raw cauliflower, for example, would provide more biotin than cooked cauliflower.