Biotin is a vitamin B complex, specifically vitamin B7, although it is popularly known as vitamin H. Currently we hear a lot about biotin but do we know what its functions are? And what is its importance for the health of our dogs and cats?
To place ourselves, it belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins, which means that the body can not store it, so it must be replaced daily by feeding.
It is an essential vitamin for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids. It acts as a cofactor of enzymes that are involved in essential metabolic reactions to synthesize fatty acids and also in gluconeogenesis, which is essential for a correct functioning of the metabolism.
Biotin is also necessary for cell growth, which plays an important role in the development of our dog or cat.
There are three main reasons why it is necessary to maintain an adequate intake of biotin:
- 1. Maintenance of a correct metabolic function, as we have indicated before
- 2. Maintenance of skin, mucous membranes and hair
- 3. Normal functioning of the nervous system
In pets, biotin is recommended for the treatment of allergic reactions and health conditions that affect the skin. Its efficiency in the treatment of allergic reactions is greater if it is combined with fatty acids, although always as adjuvant therapy once the cause has been ascertained.
A deficiency of vitamin B7 can cause dermatological disorders. This will result in dry and itchy skin, scales and dry and brittle hair.
These deficiencies are not frequent, as long as the dog or cat consumes a balanced and complete nutritional diet. As we explained in a previous entry, we should avoid giving our pet raw egg whites, since the absorption of biotin is inhibited when consuming them, due to the action of an enzyme that they contain called avidin.
It is important to note that, although shampoos with biotin have lately become fashionable to improve the condition of hair, this use has no basis since biotin is not absorbed topically, which does not serve its application at all.
On the other hand it is also true that biotin deficiency causes hair loss and poor condition, but it has not been shown that a greater oral contribution of hair improves its condition, that is, if the minimum requirements are covered, for more amount of biotin that we supply we will not have a more abundant and lustrous hair.