Symptoms and common signs of Biotin deficiency
Biotin (biotin, biothin) is a vitamin belonging to the B complex, is water soluble which means that our body does not have the ability to store it and therefore must be taken daily. It is known by many names: vitamin B8, vitamin H, biotin and vitamin B7. It has the property of linking several enzymes that are essential in the processes of cellular duplication, and therefore is used in cell growth, in the production of fatty acids, and in the metabolism of fat and amino acids.
Although it is one of the most rare nutrient deficiencies, without a doubt you could at some point present a lack or deficiency of biotin. Since the body does not store biotin due to its water-soluble characteristic, its consumption must be continuous.
Symptoms of Biotin deficiency
Pregnant women are among the groups most at risk of missing or deficient biotin, which has been shown to have adverse effects on the development of fetuses.
Without a doubt, biotin is an essential vitamin for the organism. Many times we do not identify when we have a deficit of some type of vitamin or mineral, so it is very important to know the signs of lack of biotin in the body.
The red and scaly rash (especially on the face) plus hair loss are common signs that your body may need more biotin.
Biotin deficiency symptoms and signsOther symptoms and signs of biotin deficiency are:
Depression.
- Sickness.
- Loss of appetite
- Paresthesia
- Muscle pain.
In the body, biotin plays a very important role in:
The metabolism of fats, amino acids and carbohydrates.
- The optimal function of the nervous system.
- Maintaining the healthy level of LDL cholesterol.
- Regulation of sugar in the blood
Strengthening the hair and reversing the loss by reacting with the enzymes to generate amino acids, which are fundamental for proteins such as keratin, from which the hair is made
- Prevent deterioration or cognitive dysfunction related to age
- Keep a healthy skin
- The strengthening of the nails. In one study, 2.5 mcg of biotin per day for at least 6 months improved its thickness by 25%.
Biotin tests
Currently there are tests that are performed to detect exactly how our biotin levels are in the blood, but these tests are indicated under very special conditions, such as preterm infants, among others. In an Internet survey we detect that they are done in specialized laboratories and have a cost of around $ 300.
In Venezuela they do biotin tests for free in the IDEA, but it has to be indicated by a specialist, until now we do not know where else they do it.