Biotin is an essential B-complex vitamin that plays a role in activating a range of enzymes that support your metabolism. The symptoms of biotin deficiency can occur due to inadequate nutrition, or as a side effect of an underlying disorder or disease. Biotin efficiency can have a severe impact on your health, as well as the health of a child.
Causes of Biotin Deficiency
One primary cause of biotin deficiency is failure to consume enough biotin each day. Children that follow a poor-quality diet may prove deficient in several essential nutrients, including biotin. In other cases, biotin deficiency may develop as a side effect of a disease. One such disease is biotinidase deficiency, in which a child's body cannot effectively re-use and recycle biotin, explains the Genetics Home Reference. As a result, children with biotinidase deficiency who consume the recommended intake of biotin each day may still develop biotin deficiency.
Effect on Skin and Mouth
One symptom of a biotin deficiency is the development of abnormal skin lesions and rashes, explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Children suffering from the deficiency may develop rashes on their genitals, eyes, nose and mouth. The rash may lead to scaling or flaking or the skin, and lead to cracks at the corners of the mouth that can prove painful. In addition, children with a biotin deficiency may develop abnormal and painful swelling of the tongue. If your child develops these symptoms, seek medical attention to address a possible biotin deficiency.
Effect on Nervous System
Severe biotin deficiency can also affect a child's nervous system. Most often, the disorder affects the peripheral nervous system: the populations of nerves throughout a child's body. The child may feel numb in their extremities, or notice an abnormal tingling sensation indicative of nerve damage. In addition, a study published in "Indian Pediatrics" in 2007 indicates that children with severe biotin deficiency may suffer from muscle weakness -- a condition linked to damage to the nerves that control muscle movement.
Prevention and Treatment
In many cases, consuming more biotin can help prevent or treat a biotin deficiency. You can prevent the disorder by feeding your child foods containing biotin, such as eggs, nuts, beans, bananas and whole grains. If your child already suffers from a biotin deficiency, or has biotinidase deficiency, he may require biotin supplementation to help correct the disorder. Talk to your doctor about the best course of action to address your child's biotin deficiency; never give your child any vitamin supplements without a doctor's approval.
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