Biotin, an essential vitamin needed for several bodily functions, is available in individual supplement form as well as in B-vitamin complexes and multi-vitamins. Although biotin can assist your body in performing various functions, your body only needs small amounts of biotin to function optimally. Therefore, do not take the vitamin in any form until you speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of over-the-counter supplementation.
Identification
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is an essential water-soluble B vitamin that your body uses to help convert food into energy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Biotin is also necessary for your nervous system to function properly, and for healthy eyes, hair, skin and liver. Biotin supplements are used to replenish your body with biotin when you have a deficiency, or not enough biotin in your body to properly assist your internal processes.
Effects
Although biotin deficiency is extremely rare, you may need biotin supplementation if you experience dry scaly skin; cheilitis, or cracking in the corners of your mouth; hair loss; fatigue; depression; or insomnia, says the UMMC. You may also need biotin supplementation if you experience dry eyes, loss of appetite, or glossitis--a condition in which your tongue becomes swollen, painful and magenta in color.
Causes
Certain medications can cause biotin deficiency, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Antibiotics can initiate biotin deficiencies, and anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin, Solfoton and Tegretol can also cause biotin deficiency. You may also need biotin supplementation if you have been fed intravenously for a long period, or if you have had your stomach removed, says Mayo Clinic. Your infant may also be biotin deficient if she has cradle cap, or seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that makes her skin look flaky and greasy.
You may also need biotin supplementation if you have biotindase deficiency. This is a rare condition characterized by hearing loss, developmental disabilities, skin disorders, seizures and bald spots, says the UMMC.
Food Sources
You can naturally supplement your diet with biotin-rich foods such as raspberries, avocados, pork, liver, yeast, whole wheat bread, eggs, salmon and cauliflower, according to Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Biotin is also found in mushrooms, sardines, pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, soybeans, bananas and black-eyed peas.
Warning
Although biotin supplementation is generally considered safe, you should only take over-the-counter biotin supplements under your doctor's direct supervision. Biotin supplementation should only accompany a balanced diet determined by your doctor, says the Mayo Clinic, to ensure that you get the appropriate amounts of other important nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and fats.
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