Diarrhea can wreak havoc on your digestive system and nutritional status. Feeling sick with diarrhea not only reduces your appetite for nutritious foods, but it also decreases your absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, severe diarrhea destroys the integrity of your gut, which is responsible for making certain vitamins, like biotin. Once you start recovering from diarrhea, it is a good idea to consider which essential vitamins need to be replenished.
Sources of Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble, B-complex vitamin. It is synthesized by bacteria, yeast, mold, algae and some plants, and is necessary for all living organisms. Biotin works as a cofactor for several digestive enzymes. Biotin aids in the breakdown of certain amino acids, like leucine, along with carbohydrates and fatty acids. For this reason, biotin is a vital part of metabolism. Egg yolk, yeast and liver are good food sources of biotin. Bacteria in your small and large intestines help to produce biotin in your body.
Biotin Deficiency Symptoms
Although a deficiency is rare, insufficient biotin can cause you to lose your hair, develop skin rashes and it can contribute to high cholesterol and heart issues. This can occur with certain genetic disorders and after a gastrectomy, or removal of the stomach. Diarrhea specifically is not associated with biotin deficiencies but if prolonged, poor absorption of several nutrients is likely. There is no established intake value for biotin, but the general adult recommendation is between 30 to 100 micrograms per day. Taking usual doses of biotin is not likely to cause negative side-effects but you might want to wait until diarrhea subsides before trying to supplement. Always talk to your doctor before starting a supplement.
Losses
Diarrhea can not only affect your biotin levels, but also other important vitamins, as well. Diarrhea speeds up the excretion of material from your digestive system, so not only is absorption impaired, but bacteria that play a role in synthesizing vitamins are also lost. For instance, vitamin K is important for blood clotting. Vitamin K is largely produced by bacteria in the gut. Diarrhea can temporarily impair your ability to synthesize vitamin K until the bacteria are able to recolonize your gut. Probiotics may be helpful for restoring the gut environment after a bout of diarrhea.
Complications
Diarrhea affects your vitamin levels and your hydration status. This is the most dangerous consequence of diarrhea. If you have severe diarrhea, you may need to go to the emergency room for oral rehydration therapy or even intravenous fluid replacement. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, confusion and even death. It is important to seek immediate help if your condition is putting you in serious danger.
