Facts About Vitamins

Biotin - Importance of biotin for health, its sources and symptoms of biotin deficiency

Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin which is often used as a synonym for healthy skin and beautiful hair. Biotin is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and functions as a coenzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids. Biotin deficiency is very rare and in most cases mild because only small quantities are needed. However, its synthesis can be easily disrupted by a glass of alcoholic beverage and antibiotics, while unhealthy diet, alcohol and drug abuse can seriously decrease the levels of gut flora which is vital for synthesis of biotin.

In addition to its primal function - metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids biotin also promotes skin, hair and nail health, growth and regeneration of blood and nerve cells as well as of tissues, prevents eczema, skin inflammatory diseases and premature gray hair and hair loss, helps to relieve muscle pain and regulates the blood sugar levels which makes it very helpful for both types of diabetes. Despite its importance for overall health and well being only small quantities of biotin are needed. The recommended daily allowance of biotin for adults is 100 to 300 micrograms. The best food sources of biotin are liver, egg yolk, kidney, nuts, fish, yeast and vegetables.

Biotin deficiency is very rare and most often affects people on a diet eating raw egg whites and those on a prolonged oral antibiotic therapy. The sings and symptoms of biotin deficiency are very unspecific and most commonly include: dandruff, dry skin, rashes, hair loss, fungal infections, tiredness, irritability and mild depression.