Supplements

Biotin (Coenzyme R or Vitamin H)

Biotin is a sulfur containing, water soluble, member of the B-complex family. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin whose primary function is as a coenzyme in carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. Biotin is essential for cell growth and replication through its role in the manufacturing of DNA and RNA.

Biotin is usually measured in micrograms (mcg.) In doses of milligrams (mg.) lab experiments have demonstrated that biotin aids in managing blood sugar. This is accomplished by improving the effectiveness of enzymes which are involved in processing glucose. Diabetic neuropathy, a degenerative nerve condition caused by elevated sugar levels, has been shown to improve with large doses of biotin.

Rarely is there a deficiency of Biotin, except in infants. A condition called seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, is characterized by a dry, scaly scalp. This vitamin optimizes the body's use of fatty acids and make the scalp less oily, thereby improving the general texture and appearance of the hair. In adults it is produced in the intestines, extracted from foods.

For treatment of adult eczema and dermatitis, it is essential that all the B vitamins be taken as well as essential fatty acids and zinc.

In large doses biotin can partially restore weak or brittle nails (2.5 mg. daily).

One hundred milligrams of biotin daily may prevent hair loss in some men. Biotin also promotes healthy sweat glands, nerve tissue, and bone marrow. In addition, it helps to relieve muscle pain.

Biotin is available as isolated biotin or as biocytin, a complex in brewer's yeast, composed of 65.6% biotin. Biotin is available in multivitamin and vitamin B complexes, and in individual supplements. Standard preparations are available in 10 mcg, 50 mcg, 100 mcg, and 500 mcg tablets.

Deficiency: Symptoms include hair loss, a dry, scaly dermatitis, anorexia, nausea, and depression. Biotin deficiency can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) in infants. Biotin deficiency also impacts the immune system. Other symptoms of deficiency are alopecia, extreme exhaustion, and impairment of fat metabolism .

Depleting Agents: Food-processing techniques can destroy biotin, therefore less processed products will have a greater percentage of their biotin intact. Raw egg whites (which contain avidin, a protein that prevents biotin absorption), water, sulfa drugs, estrogen, and alcohol. Fats or oils which have been heated or exposed to the air for any length of time inhibit biotin absorption.

Sources: Beef liver, brewer's yeast, cooked egg yolks, meat, milk, poultry, saltwater fish, soybeans, whole grains, and unpolished rice.

Precautions: There have been no reported toxic effects, even at high doses.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: Due to biotin's synthesis in the gut, a RDA has not been set. The adequate intake for biotin has been estimated at 30 to 100 mcg per day. Average daily biotin intake in the American diet has been estimated to be 28 to 42 mcg.

INTERACTIONS

No clinically significant interactions between biotin and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date.