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      Biotin

      What is Biotin?

      Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin, is an essential water-soluble B vitamin. 



      Why is Biotin part of my treatment regimen?

      Your genetic testing indicated you have a gene alteration in the enzyme Biotinidase.  Biotinidase frees up Biotin from the proteins it is bound to in foods.1  Supplementation of Biotin in deficient individuals is associated with improvements in hair loss.2


      What are the food sources of Biotin?

      Biotin is found in egg yolks, legumes, liver, nuts, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, avocados, broccoli, & bananas.


      How do deficiencies in Biotin occur?

      Biotin deficiencies are associated with pregnancy, bariatric surgery, malabsorption diseases, genetics, and diabetes.3 


      What are the symptoms of Biotin deficiency?

      Biotin deficiency is associated with fatigue, hair loss, hair color loss, red scaly facial rashes, depression, and numbness and tingling in the extremities.4,5 



      What does Biotin do in the body?

      Enzymes use Biotin in the body involved with the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.  


      Does Biotin have adverse effects?

      Biotin is well tolerated when given orally.  One study of patients taking high dose Biotin had a few participants experience mild diarrhea.6




      Resources:

      • Hymes, J. and Wolf, B. Human biotinidase isn't just for recycling biotin. J Nutr. 1999;129(2S Suppl):485S-489S.  Alterations in this gene make it much harder to get appropriate Biotin levels. 
      • Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166-169. doi:10.1159/000462981
      1. Koutsikos D, Agroyannis B, Tzanatos-Exarchou H. Biotin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Biomed Pharmacother 1990;44:511-4.
      2. Said HM. Biotin: the forgotten vitamin. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;75:179-80
      3. Zempleni, J., Hassan, Y. I., and Wijeratne, S. S. Biotin and biotinidase deficiency. Expert.Rev.Endocrinol.Metab 11-1-2008;3(6):715-724. 
      4. Sedel F, Papeix C, Bellanger A, Touitou V, Lebrun-Frenay C, Galanaud D, et al. High doses of biotin in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2015;4(2):159-69. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.01.005