Juvenon Health Journal – July 2015, No. 5
Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a water-soluble nutrient. Like others in the B vitamin family, biotin helps support adrenal function, help calm and maintain a
healthy nervous system.
This vitamin dynamo is the gatekeeper for vital metabolic functions. Additionally, it also helps address high blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Biotin can be helpful in maintaining healthy hair and nails, decreasing insulin resistance and improving glucose tolerance.
Virtually all living creatures need biotin. However, only bacteria, yeasts, fungi and molds can make it themselves. This is actually good news for us humans since bacteria living in the intestines create biotin and share it with the host organisms. Fortunately, many foods contain biotin, including liver, cauliflower, carrots, soy products and just about any product containing yeast. The body makes it through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria and ingesting biotin in common foods.
Causes of Biotin Deficiency
A deficiency is rare since this B vitamin can be found in a myriad of foods and the body efficiently recycles much of the biotin it has already used. However, there are a few circumstances that can lead to biotin deficiency issues. One of the most intriguing causes is eating raw egg whites on a regular basis.
The Linus Pauling Institute states that raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin. This protein is notarized during cooking, which makes cooked egg products safe.
Other triggers include use of anti-seizure medications and oral antibiotics. Both of these medications can kill intestinal bacteria, which has can lead to biotin deficiency. Talk to your doctor if you suspect a problem, as there are anticonvulsant meds that don’t impact biotin absorption.
Biotin Deficiency Symptoms
The most common symptoms are likely to crop up in the hair, skin and nails. Symptoms include dry skin, recurrent fungal infections of the skin, rashes, dry or brittle hair and hair loss. Nails can also become brittle. Still, there are other conditions that aren’t as straightforward, such as mood swings and depression. It can be a tricky deficiency to detect as these symptoms may appear with other vitamin deficiencies, diseases or medical conditions. However, if you suddenly start losing your hair or can’t get rid of a nasty rash, it’s time to call your doctor.
According to the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy’s Institute of Medicine, adults over 19 years of age should get at least 30 mcg of biotin daily.
Again, biotin can be found in many common foods, so supplementation is not always necessary. However, if you are taking certain medications and experiencing some of the common symptoms outlined above, it might be worth checking in with a trusted health care professional to see if supplementation is in order.
In the coming months, the Juvenon Health Journal will continue to feature research that will help you stay informed and healthy. By offering effective, all-natural supplements and health news you can use, Juvenon provides an essential arsenal for combating aging enemies.