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Biotin
Formerly termed vitamin H
Description
Water soluble Biotin works synergistically with B2, B6, B3 and Vitamin A.
Glucose synthesis
Maintains sweat glands, blood cells, skin and hair tone and quality, nerve tissue, bone marrow and male sex glands
Regulates the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids (e.g., conversion of linoleic acid to eicosanoids)
Helps the body absorb nutrients.
Aids amino acid metabolism.
Assists cell division and growth.
Stored in the liver, kidney, brain and adrenal glands.
The thyroid and adrenal glands depend on it.
Deficiency effects
Greyish pallor
Depression
Muscular pain
Pregnancy and lactation
Extreme exhaustion
Chronic dieting for weight loss
Consumption of raw eggs which contain avidin. Avidin prevents biotin absorption.
Medications: anticonvulsants, antibiotics used repeatedly destroy biotin producing intestinal bacteria. Sulphur drugs, oestrogen, food processing techniques, alcohol and water.
Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency
Anorexia and nausea Myalgias
Numbness and tingling in the extremities
Flaking non -itchy inflammation of the skin especially around the nose and mouth
Hair loss and baldness
Immune deficiency
Changes in mental status, depression, fatigue, anxiety
Increased serum cholesterol and bilirubin
Seizures; developmental delays (in infants with inherited metabolic defects)
Good dietary sources
Soybeans, Calf liver, Dandelions, Brewer’s yeast, Whole wheat, Oatmeal, wheat germ, corn, egg yolk, parsley, red clover, agrimony, alfalfa. Brown rice, fruit, nuts, mushrooms, cauliflower and fresh organic vegetables.
Small amounts of biotin are synthesized by intestinal bacteria and the most is excreted via the urinary tract.
Medical uses:
Any kind of hair loss.
Muscle pain
Dermatitis
Eczema
Infant dermatitis
Depression
Dosage
Adult: 150-300 micrograms daily
Toxicity
No known toxic effects
