Vitamin B7 Biotin

About Vitamin B7 Biotin

Biotin, vitamin B7 and formerly called vitamin H, is a water soluble B vitamin that acts as a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis and the breakdown of certain amino acids. Gut bacteria also produce biotin, although how much of it is absorbed is uncertain. Dietary deficiency is rare, but it was historically described in people who ate large quantities of raw egg white, which contains avidin, a protein that binds biotin tightly and blocks its absorption. Cooking denatures avidin. Signs of deficiency include thinning hair, a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose and mouth, and neurological symptoms. Biotinidase deficiency is an inherited disorder that impairs biotin recycling and is included in newborn screening programs in many countries. Biotin is heavily marketed for hair, skin and nail health, but evidence of benefit in people without deficiency is limited. Regulators including the US FDA have warned that high biotin intake from supplements can interfere with laboratory tests that use biotin based technology, including some cardiac troponin and thyroid tests.