Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is a member of the B-complex family of vitamins. Your body requires biotin to carry out a variety of important functions related to digestion and distribution of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Due to inherited syndromes, some people have impaired biotin metabolism resulting in low biotin levels. Biotin supplementation has been used successfully to treat health conditions related to low biotin levels, including, in some cases, diabetes. Check with your doctor about using biotin supplements to treat a medical condition.
Carbohydrate Breakdown
Biotin is a component of many enzyme reactions in your body and works along with vitamin B-12, folate and pantothenic acid -- vitamin B-5. Biotin facilitates a necessary step in the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats, giving it a potentially important place in the management of blood sugar and diabetes, writes Maureen Keane, co-author of the book "What to Eat If You Have Diabetes: Healing Foods That Help Control Your Blood Sugar." Biotin may also alleviate peripheral neuropathy -- a complication of diabetes -- and increase activity of glucokinase -- an enzyme that helps convert glucose into its storage form, known as glycogen. Glucokinase is often found to be low in diabetics. Keane recommends doses of 9 mg per day and adds that biotin may suppress excess glucose production by the liver and improve insulin sensitivity, as well.
Insulin Usage
Biotin supplementation can decrease blood sugar levels by up to 45 percent in diabetics, says Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian, co-author of the book "How Do I Live the Heart Healthy Way?" Biotin is required for proper use of insulin and is particularly beneficial to diabetics. Biotin may also stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. This important nutrient is found in many plant foods, such as bananas, carrots, cauliflower and soy. Karamanoukian recommends high-biotin plant foods for providing healthy fiber, antioxidants and complex carbohydrates, all components that help in the prevention and management of diabetes.
Fasting Blood Sugar
Biotin may lower fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetics by as much as 5.8 mmol/L, at doses of 1 g three times per day, according to Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, author of the book "Evidence-Based Diabetes Care." This dosage level is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
Therapeutic Dose Range
Therapeutic doses of biotin can help control blood sugar levels, according to Dr. Michael Zimmerman, author of "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." The recommended daily intake for biotin for an adult is 30 mcg. Therapeutic doses can range from 300 mcg to 16,000 mcg. Biotin has been shown to be safe and non-toxic at levels as high as 60 mg per day. Consult with your doctor to determine an appropriate dose of biotin for your needs.
References
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "How Do I Live the Heart Healthy Way?"; Hratch L. Karamanoukian; 2004
- "Evidence-based Diabetes Care"; Hertzel C. Gerstein; 2001
- "What to Eat If You Have Diabetes"; Maureen Keane; 2006
