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.

RDA
The recommended daily amount for adults is 30mcg (micrograms, or mcg) for both males and females in the United States. In Australia 30μg of biotin is recommended for adult men, and 25μg for women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

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.

Some people deficient in biotin may have biotinidase deficiency, a genetic mutation that (partially) worsens biotin recycling by the body.

Chronic fatigue syndrome
A blinded randomised controlled trial of a supplement containing 40mcg of biotin and many other vitamins, minerals and trace elements did not find any benefit to people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

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

Learn more

 * Biotin - National Institute of Health
 * Biotin, the Linus Pauling Institute