Biotin

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a water soluble, B-complex vitamin. It plays a key role in the metabolism of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates.

It is a critical co-enzyme of five carboxylases: acetyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase 1 and acetyl Co-enzyme A carboxylase 2,; propionyl Co-enzyme A carboxylase; β-methylcrotonyl Co-enzyme A carboxylase; and pyruvate Co-enzyme A carboxylase.

Deficiency
Excessive biotin is rare but can develop with prolonged consumption of raw egg whites total intravenous nutritional support lacking biotin. Women may develop subclinical biotin deficiency during pregnancy. Anticonvulsants increase the risk of Biotin deficiency.

Other diseases
High dose biotin is currently being studied in Multiple sclerosis.

Learn more

 * Biotin, the Linus Pauling Institute