Biotin (vitamin H)
Summary:
Biotin is an essential B vitamin and soluble in water. The name biotin comes from the Greek word bios meaning "life". Without biotin, certain enzymes do not work properly, and several complications can occur with the skin, intestine and nervous system. Metabolic problems can also occur, including very low sugar levels between meals, high levels of ammonia in the blood, or acidic blood (acidosis). Theoretically, death is possible, although no clear cases have been reported. Recent studies suggest that biotin is also necessary for cellular processes at the genetic level (such as DNA replication and gene expression).
Biotin deficiency is extremely rare. This is because the daily biotin requirements are relatively low, because biotin is found in many foods, and because the body can recycle much of the biotin that has already been used. In the available literature, a significant level of toxin has not been reported with the consumption of biotin.
Applications:
The following uses are based on tradition, scientific theories or limited research. They have often not been fully tested in humans and their safety and efficacy have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider. There could be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Alopecia areata (hair loss), antioxidant, basal ganglia disease, cancer, Crohn's disease, improvement in the ability to exercise, hyperlipidemia, metabolic disorders (3-methylcrotonylglycine), Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, Rett syndrome, Seborrheic dermatitis, non-combing hair syndrome, vaginal candidiasis, wound healing (periodontal).
Evidence:
The following uses in humans or animals have been tested. The safety and efficacy of these have not always been demonstrated. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider.
Biotin deficiency
Biotin deficiency is extremely rare. Some potential causes of biotin deficiency are: the use for prolonged periods of medications to control attacks; the prolonged use of oral antibiotics; poor intestinal absorption (for example, short bowel syndrome); intravenous feeding (total parenteral nutrition) without additional biotin; and the regular consumption of raw egg whites. Biotin supplements seem to be useful for the treatment of this deficiency.
Inborn metabolism errors of biotin response
Disorders such as multiple carboxylase deficiency can cause inborn errors in metabolism that cause a "functional" biotin deficiency. High doses of biotin are used to treat these conditions. The management of these treatments must be under strict medical supervision.
Brittle nails
Biotin has been suggested as a treatment for brittle nails, especially in women. There is not enough scientific evidence to reach a clear conclusion.
Risk of vascular diseases (in diabetics)
A combination of biotin and chromium can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of developing clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) in diabetics. However, another investigation of biotin alone found that it did not affect cholesterol, glucose or insulin levels, but did lower triglyceride levels. More biotin research alone is required.
Diabetes mellitus (type 2)
In preliminary investigations, it has been reported that biotin decreases insulin resistance and improves glucose tolerance; Both properties may be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes (which begins in adulthood). Other research suggests that a combination of biotin and chromium can help improve blood sugar control. However, there is not enough evidence in humans to form a clear conclusion in this area.
Hepatitis (in alcoholics)
Antioxidant therapy with biotin, vitamins A and E, selenium, zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, folic acid and coenzyme Q10 did not improve survival rates in alcoholics with hepatitis. More research is needed with biotin alone.
Supplement during pregnancy
It has been found that marginal deficiency of biotin commonly occurs during pregnancy. Biotin supplementation during pregnancy is not currently standard practice, and prenatal vitamins generally do not contain biotin. However, individual patients can be considered as candidates for biotin supplementation by health professionals considering each case individually. Additional studies are needed in this area.
Parenteral nutrition to