Biotin is a vitamin of the vitamin B complex. It is found especially in egg yolk, liver and yeast. It is required to form glucose and fatty acids and is vital to produce energy. It enhances metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Biotin is found in normal diets.
Deficiency of Biotin
Since biotin is naturally found in the food we consume, the deficiency of it is very rare. And if there is deficiency, it might be because of a long-term use of antibiotic or anti-seizure medications or intravenous feeding. According to the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University, "Signs of overt biotin deficiency include hair loss and a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area." In such cases, biotin supplements are taken.
Daily Intake
For adults, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine (FNB) suggests a daily intake of 30 micro-grams. For women who breastfeed, the amount is 35 micro-grams daily. Most people get the required biotin amounts from their regular diets. The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 300 micro-grams per day. Most of the dietary supplements use this dosage. Take treatment for biotin deficiency only after consultation with a doctor. Biotin is available as capsules and in tablet form. For infants (ages 0-6 months old), the FNB suggests 5 micro-grams daily; for ages from 7- 12 months, 6 micro-grams; for children aged 1-3 years, 8 micro-grams; for children aged 4-8 years,12 micro-grams; for children aged 9-13 years, 20 micro-grams and for those aged 14-18 years, 25 micro-grams.
Biotin-Rich Foods
The regular foods that contain biotin include eggs, fish, dairy products, yeast, broccoli, cabbage, whole-grain cereals, white and sweet potatoes.
Uses
Biotin can enhance glucose tolerance and reduce resistance to insulin. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, "In early research, biotin has been reported to decrease insulin resistance and improve glucose tolerance, which are both properties that may be beneficial in patients with types 2 (adult-onset) diabetes." For people who depend on Intravenous feeding solutions as their primary source of nutrition, biotin must be included in the diet.
Negative Effects
According to reports from the Linus Pauling Institute, dosages of biotin of up to 5,000 micro-grams were given to healthy adults without any negative effects. But, some of the ingredients that are used to form the biotin supplement might result in allergic reactions. Also, if biotin is consumed together with pantothenic acid in large does, results have shown that some negative reactions are possible.
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