Definition of Biotin

Biotin is one of the vitamins that make up the B-complex. It has several names and performs several functions, mostly surrounding metabolism or converting the foods you eat into energy that your body can use. Most healthy people naturally produce biotin in the gut; however, you still need to obtain dietary biotin.

Naming Structure

The word "biotin" was coined by two German scientists in 1936, joining the Greek word "bios" and the suffix "in," a common suffix used in chemistry nomenclature. Bios means life, and the "in" suffix is usually applied to nouns of neutral compounds. Biotin is also referred to as vitamin H, vitamin B-7, coenzyme R and W factor. First discovered in 1916, and isolated in 1927, it still took scientists decades to understand it. Its chemical formula is C10, H16, O3, N2, S.

Functions

Biotin is a multitasker, operating in chemical reactions and used as a supplement to treat various health issues. It is central to a number of metabolic functions including cell growth, the development of fatty acids and the processing of an amino acid known as luceine. Additionally, as a B vitamin, biotin is a player in the Krebs cycle in which your body converts carbohydrates, fats and some proteins into energy. The intestinal bacteria in your gut naturally produce biotin. In foods, biotin occurs in free form, but in meats, biotin is usually found bound to proteins. As a supplement, biotin helps strengthen thin, splitting and brittle hair and nails. When combined with zinc and topical clobetasol propionate, biotin has also been used to combat alopecia, or hair loss. Moreover, it prevents biotin deficiency in pregnant women and has been studied for use in diabetes treatment, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Adequate Intake

Your biotin needs vary by age and gender. According to the Institute of Medicine, all adults and pregnant women ages 19 and older need 30 micrograms daily. Teens, ages 14 to 18, need 25 micrograms. Children, ages of 9 to 13, need 20 micrograms. Toddlers, ages 1 to 3, need 8 micrograms, while young children, ages 4 to 8, need 12 micrograms. Nursing mothers need the most biotin, at 35 micrograms daily. Foods rich in biotin include liver, with up to 35 micrograms in a 3 oz. portion, and eggs with up to 25 micrograms in a single large egg. Biotin is also found in yeast, pork, salmon, cheese and avocados.

Deficiency

Deficiency in biotin is rare. It's sometimes seen in people who repeatedly consume raw egg whites and those whose nutrition is delivered intravenously without added biotin. Cigarette smoking may also cause mild biotin deficiency. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include thinning hair and loss of hair color. You may also experience a red, scaly rash around your eyes, nose and mouth. Depression, lethargy and numbness in the arms and legs can also occur.