Description:
Biotin is important for cell growth, the body's use of fatty acids,
and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Biotin
is important for healthy hair, skin, nails, nerve function, and
proper functioning of bone marrow. In infants, a condition called
seborrheic dermatitis, or "cradle cap", characterized by a dry,
scaly scalp, may occur as a result of a biotin deficiency. In adults,
biotin deficiency is rare because this vitamin can be produced in
the intestines. However, if a deficiency does occur, it can cause
anemia, depression, hair loss, high blood sugar, insomnia, and loss
of appetite, muscular pain, nausea, and soreness of the tongue.
Complimentary Nutrients:
B complex, B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, C, and sulfur.
Antagonists:
Raw egg whites contain a protein, which combines with biotin in
the intestinal tract, thus making biotin indigestible. Antibiotics,
coffee, alcohol, sulfa drugs, and saccharin limit the absorption
of biotin. .
Health Benefits:
Muscles, cell growth, hair, skin, fatty acid production, carbohydrate,
fat, and protein metabolism, vitamin B utilization.
Therapeutic Uses:
Baldness, leg cramps, depression, eczema, dermatitis, and muscle
pain.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Muscular pain, fatigue, depression, grayish skin color, insomnia,
poor appetite, and dry skin.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 100-200 mcg (males), 100-200 mcg (females) |
300 mcg |
1-3 mg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
.
Sources:
Biotin is found in brewer’s yeast, cooked egg yolks, meat, milk,
poultry, saltwater fish, soybeans, whole grains, legumes and organ
meats. Here are some examples.
| Food |
Amount |
MCG |
| beef liver |
1 lb. |
454 |
| roasted peanuts |
1 cup |
50 |
