Biotin plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and fats. Biotin supplements are sometimes recommended to treat symptoms of deficiency, which is especially common in patients who rely on IV fluids for nutrition, as well as people who take antibiotics or anticonvulsants for long periods and people with malabsorption syndromes.
General Information
Biotin belongs to the B family of vitamins, which are especially important for metabolism and energy production. B vitamins are water-soluble, which means that they are excreted in the urine and need to be consumed frequently. Biotin is found in a variety of dietary sources, including brewer's yeast, cooked eggs, sardines, nuts and nut butters, soybeans, legumes, whole grains, bananas and mushrooms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Biotin is also commonly referred to as vitamin B-7, vitamin H, biotina, coenzyme R, D-biotin or W Factor.
Recommended Dosage for Adults
Biotin can be found in single-ingredient supplements, as well as B-complexes and other multivitamins. Like any other vitamin, the recommended dosage for biotin varies based on your age, gender and other factors. According to Medline Plus, there is no recommended daily allowance, or RDA, for biotin, although there is an adequate intake, or AI, which should guide your supplement choice. Adults over age 18 need 30 mcg of biotin per day, or 35 mcg for nursing women.
Children and Adolescents
Adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 need 25 mcg. Children aged 9 to 13 need 20 mcg, and those ages 4 to 8 need 12 mcg. Toddlers ages 1 to 3 years need 8 mcg, and infants should have 7 mcg. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biotin is often used to reduce or alleviate the symptoms of cradle cap in babies. Although cradle cap is not dangerous, it causes an unsightly, scaly scalp and can be very stubborn. Although studies have not yet proved biotin's efficacy in the treatment of cradle cap, some preliminary studies support its use.
Deficiency
There is no way to test for biotin deficiency, so doctors usually diagnose deficiencies based on common symptoms. These include dry and scaly skin, hair loss, cracking at the corners of the mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite, depression and brittle nails. According to Medline Plus, cigarette smoking may contribute to mild biotin deficiency. However, generally speaking, deficiency is not common, due to the many dietary sources of biotin and the small amount needed by the human body.
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