Vitamins: Vitamin B7 / B8 / H - Biotin

Question 1

Vitamin B7/B8/H - Biotin

Answer 1

• Biotin as a vitamin was discovered due to its deficiency state brought about by raw egg consumption (at about 30% of the diet for many weeks to years).
• Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin which joins with biotin making it unabsorbable. Avidin is denatured by cooking
• Biotin is an otherwise relatively stable B vitamin.
• Widespread in foods but only in small amounts (micrograms) and also made by intestinal bacteria which is also absorbed into circulation

Question 2

Food sources

Answer 2

• Egg yolk
• Yeast
• Whole grains
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potato
• Nuts
• Meat
• Oily fish

Question 3

Gene regulation: functions and therapeutic uses

Answer 3

• Functions:
  o Regulates gene expressions (E.g. modifies the activity of transcription factors) which are crucial from metabolism
  o Particularly supportive of rapidly regenerating tissues, e.g. skin, hair and nails
• Therapeutic uses:
  o Dandruff
  o Brittle nails
  o Dry/brittle hair
  o Cradle

Question 4

Blood sugar regulation: functions and therapeutic uses

Answer 4

• Functions:
  o In combination with the mineral chromium, biotin has been shown to improve blood-glucose control (reducing HbA1c); i.e. 2 mg of biotin with 600 mcg of chromium
• Therapeutic uses:
  o Diabetes mellitus
  o PCOS

Question 5

Deficiency symptoms

Answer 5

• Dermatitis
• Dry scaly flaky skin (I.e. mouth and nose)
• Smooth pale tongue
• Hair thinning and loss
• Depigmentation

Question 6

Deficiency

Answer 6

• Deficiency can occur in rare metabolic disorders (tested at birth), due to biotin deficient formula or tube feeding
• Intestinal production can be reduced due to prolonged use of antibiotics

Question 7

Absorption

Answer 7

• A vegetarian diet may enhance biotin synthesis and absorption
• Anticonvulsants drugs and alcohol may inhibit absorption.
• Steroid hormones and anticonvulsants may hasten breakdown of biotin in tissues.
• Biotin supplement interferes with the laboratory tests

Question 8

Toxicity

Answer 8

• It is considered part of the B vitamin complex and has no known toxicities

Question 9

Vitamin B7/ B8/ H functions

Answer 9

Gene regulation
Blood sugar regulation