Biotin - Coenzyme R or Vitamin H

Biotin, choline and inosital are vitamins or vitamin like substances and are considered to be a part of the vitamin B complex. Biotin is often used in the treatment of hair loss and premature greying.

The functions of biotin

Biotin aids in:

the utilization of other B vitamins,
the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins,
fatty acid production,
cell growth,
the promotion of healthy skin and hair, sex glands, nerve tissue, and bone marrow, and
relieving muscle pain.

The symptoms and signs of a biotin deficiency

Biotin deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms including:

anemia,
depression,
hair loss,
hyperglycemia,
inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes,
insomnia,
loss of appetite,
muscular pain, and nausea.

Food Sources of biotin

Food sources for biotin are: brewer's and nutritional yeast, soybeans, whole grains, egg yolks, milk, meat, poultry, and saltwater fish.

Special notes

Antibiotics, sulfa drugs, saccharin and estrogen work to destroy biotin as do rancid or oxidized fats and oils.

A protein called avidin that is present in egg whites, binds with biotin in the digestive tract and can deplete the body of this important nutrient.

Therapeutic uses

Biotin can be used for the treatment of:

some hair loss,
to prevent the hair from turning prematurely grey;
muscle pain,
eczema and dermatitis, and
some aspects of diabetes.

How much do you need?

Biotin is found in most vitamin B complex supplements, and multivitamins. The dose should be between 25 and 300 mcg per day. Biotin works together with B2, B3, B6 and vitamin A and they should be taken together.

There are no known toxic effects of biotin.

Long term use of antibiotics will increase the requirement of biotin since the body's natural bacteria, necessary for the synthesis of biotin, are destroyed by antibiotics.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.