Biotin, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin referred to as vitamin B7, is required to properly metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Biotin has a variety of effects on blood sugar, and deficiency of biotin can result in impaired blood sugar management. Consult your doctor for guidance and supervision in the safe use of supplements.
Blood Sugar Lowering
Biotin deficiency decreases blood sugar and insulin levels, according to a study published in the May 2011 issue of the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry." In the laboratory animal study, diets deficient in biotin for eight weeks lowered blood sugar and raised levels of glucagon, a storage form of sugar. Biotin deficiency also led to decreased glucose and insulin tolerance, a sign of impaired insulin sensitivity. Insulin-producing cells of the pancreas increased in size and number, in biotin deficiency -- an attempt by the body to compensate for decreased function. Researchers concluded that biotin deficiency causes decreased blood sugar and promotes mechanisms that increase blood sugar.
Elevated Blood Sugar
Biotin acts as a coenzyme for an important reaction that your body uses to produce glucose. Biotin is also involved in the breakdown of glucose for energy and promotes movement of glucose from your blood into your liver for conversion to glycogen, the liver's storage form of glucose. As a result, in some cases, biotin deficiency can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, according to Michael J. Gibney, editor of the book "Introduction to Human Nutrition."
Dosage and Supplementation
To reduce hypoglycemia and improve glucose utilization, some experts recommend doses of 1,000 micrograms of biotin three times per day with meals, according to Frank Murray, author of the book "Natural Supplements for Diabetes." MedlinePlus.com says that biotin by itself is not effective for controlling blood sugar levels, but is helpful when used together with chromium in diabetics who have difficulty managing their blood sugar with medication. Biotin may also be useful for alleviating pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Considerations
Other symptoms of biotin deficiency to look for include thinning hair and skin changes similar to those seen in essential fatty acid deficiencies. Dietary deficiencies are not known to occur and insufficient studies have been conducted to determine a recommended daily allowance for this vitamin, though an adequate intake, or AI, has been set at 30 micrograms per day, according to registered dietitian Ellie Whitney, Ph.D., author of the book "Understanding Nutrition." Average intakes vary considerably and can range from 10 to 200 micrograms per day.
References
- "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry"; Effects of Biotin Deficiency...; E. Larrieta, et al.; May 2011
- "Introduction to Human Nutrition"; Michael J. Gibney; 2009
- "Natural Supplements for Diabetes: Practical and Proven Health Suggestions ... "; Frank Murray; 2009
- "Understanding Nutrition"; Ellie Whitney, et al.; 2010
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