Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin necessary for the functioning of certain enzymes in the body. Deficiency can cause problems with the intestinal tract, skin and nervous system. It may also lead to metabolic problems, or high blood ammonia or acid levels. Deficiency is extremely rare, according to the National Institutes of Health, because biotin is available from many food sources and the body effectively recycles its own stores of biotin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily allowance of biotin for most adults is 30 mcg. Liver, salmon, cauliflower, carrots and bananas are all rich in biotin. The vitamin is also available in supplement form.
Heart Disease and Diabetes
Biotin may decrease insulin resistance and improve glucose tolerance, making adequate intake beneficial to those with type 2 diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health. The vitamin, when taken in combination with chromium, also helps prevent cardiovascular disease in diabetics by decreasing the risk of clogged arteries and lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Nail and Skin Health
Biotin is involved in fat production and synthesis, which is important to the health of all cells. This action is especially important to the skin, as skin cells die and require rapid replacement. Biotin may help treat some skin disorders, including cradle cap in infants and seborrheic dermatitis in adults, according to the George Mateljan Foundation. The vitamin is effective at strengthening brittle nails, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, and supplementation with biotin may also be beneficial for combatting hair loss.
Muscle Cramps and Pain
The George Mateljan Foundation states that biotin is involved in both fat and sugar metabolism, and the vitamin helps move sugar from initial processing stages in the body to conversion to usable chemical energy. Because of this, low biotin levels can limit the amount of energy available for muscle exertion. Deficiency can lead to muscle cramps and pain following physical activity, a symptom that typically resolves quickly after increasing dietary intake of the vitamin or beginning supplementation.
Neuromuscular Disorders
Several potentially serious nerve-related symptoms are associated with biotin deficiency, according to the George Mateljan Foundation. These symptoms, which may vary in severity, including seizures, loss of muscle tone, and ataxia, which is a loss of muscle coordination. The Linus Pauling Institute states that use of anticonvulsant medications to treat existing seizure disorders may accelerate biotin depletion and increase the frequency or severity of neuromuscular symptoms. Supplementation with biotin may be beneficial in preventing and treating neuromuscular and seizure disorders.
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