Vitamin B7 ~ Biotin (Bw, coenzyme R, Vitamin H)

PROMOTES

Energy Production

Metabolism of Foods We Eat

Elimination of Waste Products of Proteins

Manufacture of Hormones

Diabetic Stability

PROTECTS AGAINST

Stress Effect

Hair Loss

Dull Wiry Hair

Inflammations of the Skin

Swollen, Sore Tongue.

People with active lives that have increased levels of stress need daily supplementation with all of the B complex vitamins that includes about 400 micrograms of biotin.

Overview

Biotin, vitamin B7, is water soluble as are all of the B vitamins. It was first isolated in 1936, structurally identified in 1942, synthesized in 1943 and then took about forty years to be established as a vitamin. It is essential as an active ingredient in many different enzyme groups. It is protein bound, which essentially means that it easily adheres to the circulating proteins in the tissues and fluids in animals and plants. When ingested it is released by the action of some of the very enzymes dependent upon it. This occurs in the proximal small intestine where it is then absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed far and wide throughout the body. Biotin is also synthesized in small amounts by friendly bacteria in the distal small intestine.

Biotin is called Coenzyme R. It is also referred to as vitamin H or vitamin W.

Deficiency Symptoms

Although biotin deficiency in humans is very rare, some diabetics developed an abnormality in pyruvate carboxylase, a biotin active enzyme that when not present will lead to nervous system dysfunctions. In a biotin deficiency syndrome the progressive symptoms include hair loss, loss of hair color, wiry hair, lesions on the nose and mouth, scaly dermatitis, anorexia, weight loss, nausea, numbness & tingling of the extremities, and a variety of muscle function alterations ranging from myalgias (muscle pain) to more serious muscle misfirings in the form of cardiac arrhythmias.

Avidin is a biotin antagonist which interferes with absorption of this micronutrient and its use in the body. Raw egg whites contain avidin & frequent consumption may result in mild deficiency symptoms. This is most often associated with rash and a swollen, painful tongue (glossitis).

A rare genetic biotin deficiency syndrome in children causes mutations in one precursor enzyme called holocarboxylase synthetase, which is needed to link biotin to four other cardoxylase enzymes necessary for general metabolism. Another variant of the same syndrome is a mutation in biotinidase which removes biotin from these same four enzymes after the metabolic phase. This syndrome produces delays in physical and mental development, hair growth, nail growth and defects in the T & B white blood cells of the immune system. These children respond well to large doses of biotin taken daily under the guidance of a qualified health care provider.

Drugs That Deplete:

Many antibiotics as well as some anti seizure drugs deplete biotin.

See DRUG DEPLETION TABLE for specific drug information.

Food Prep To Retain:

Soaking or cooking in water depletes biotin.

Food Sources:

Biotin is found abundantly in animal and plant food sources.

Best Food Sources:

-Bananas

-Brewers Yeast

-Grapefruit

-Liver

-Milk

-Peanuts

-Strawberries

-Watermelon

Fortified Foods Available:

Foods fortified with vitamin B complex.

Function in the Body:

Biotin active enzymes:

-provide some of the most important components in the process of energy production during the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.

-are part of the process in the manufacture of certain building block fats for hormones and other body substances.

-participate in the excretion of waste byproducts in the metabolism of proteins.

-specifically the carboxylase enzymes are involved in important reactions during energy production called carboxylation and decarboxylation, the adding and removing of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the transporting molecules caller acceptor molecules.

Other Facts:

Biotin is known as the vitamin that keeps hair and finger & toe nails healthy. It is reported that supplementing with biotin can help "un-combable hair syndrome" where hair won't lie down, as well as dry, splitting nails.

Excessive animal food products to the near exclusion of vegetables and fruits may interfere with the healthy bacterial (normal gut flora) in the intestines. This would alter biotin synthesis.

Recommended Dietary Allowance:

The RDA -recommended dietary allowance- is 0.3 mg a day. The scientific literature reports doses as high a 3 mg a day.

RDA/AI* (Adequate Intake)

AGE (YRS) AMOUNT in micrograms (mcg) / day

Infants

0.0-0.5: 5 - 6*

0.5-1.0: 5 - 6*

Children

1-3: 8 - 12*

4-8: 8 - 12*

Males

9-13: 20 - 25*

14-18: 20 - 25*

19-30: 30*

31-50: 30*

51-70: 30*

71+: 308

Females

9-13: 20 -25*

14-18: 20 -25*

19-30: 30*

31-50: 30*

51-70: 30*

71+: 30*

Pregnant: 30*

Lactating: 30*

Toxic Doses:

No toxic effects are known from high doses of biotin ingestion. The excess is readily excreted in the urine.