Biotin is a water-soluble, B-complex vitamin that is necessary for the synthesis of fatty acids and nucleic acids (RNA & DNA). If biotin is absent in the body, the production of fat is impaired. The synthesis of niacin is dependent upon biotin.

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Chemical Name: Biotin, Vitamin H, Vitamin B-7 

Description:Absorption/Storage: Bacteria synthesize biotin in the intestinal tract. A small amount of this water-soluble vitamin is absorbed: however, the quantity that is not used is excreted through the urine. Raw eggs contain a compound called avidin. Avidin has the same chemical structure as biotin. Because of this structural similarity, avidin binds to biotin's receptor sites; therefore, biotin is unable to bind and is unable to be used. However, since eggs are usually eaten in the cooked form this does not cause much of a problem.

Dosage/Toxicity: The Recommended Dietary Allowance suggests 150-300mg of biotin to meet the body's needs. Since this vitamin is excreted when not used, there are no toxic effects.

Deficiency: The skin and hair mainly effected by a biotin deficiency causing baldness, dermatitis, and rashes around the mouth and nose. The locations that are commonly deficient in biotin are the male genitalia, bone marrow, liver, and the kidneys. Other symptoms of the deficiency are sleeplessness, poor appetite, and dry skin.

Common Use For those that go through the troubles of dealing with cowlicks, biotin may be helpful. Treatment for dermatitis is effective with the use of biotin along with riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin A, and vitamin D. This vitamin has also been shown to be effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome as well.

Food Sources:Soybeans, Brewer's yeast, mushrooms, walnuts, egg yolks, fortified cereals, peanuts, and barley

Precautions:The production of biotin by the bacteria in the intestinal tract is interfered with by use of antibiotics and sulfa drugs. Consult a physician if pregnant, symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness last more than a week, or if new symptoms appear.

Scientific References: Groff, J., Gropper, S., and Hunt, S. (1995). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. St. Paul Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Gropper and Hamilton. (1987). The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. (1996). Nutrition Almanac. New York, New York: McGraw Hill. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. National Research Council. (1989). Recommended Dietary Allowance. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp.