Signs of
The diagnostic tests for biotin deficiency are urinary 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid and biotin and the status of propionyl-CoA carboxylase in lymphocytes. [16][17] Biotin-dependent carboxylases in human lymphocytes are reliable markers for determining biotin status.
Biotin deficiency can cause thinning hair and loss of body hair; a rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and anal area; pinkeye; high levels of acid in the blood and urine; seizures; skin infection; brittle nails; and nervous system disorders.
Other causes of biotin deficiency include prolonged treatment with anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, primidone, carbamazipine, phenobarbital, and valproic acid, as well as ingestion of high doses of lipoic acid, long-term use of antibiotics, excessive alcohol consumption, and habitual or regular consumption of raw egg ...
A high dose of biotin supplement will take 3-5 days to treat the symptoms of biotinidase deficiency, and will most likely disappear in 3-5 months.
Taking antibiotics over a long period, as these can destroy the biotin-producing bacteria in the gut. Having a condition, such as Crohn's disease, that makes it hard for the gut to absorb nutrients. Having excessive exposure to alcohol, which inhibits biotin absorption.
Cognitive problems: The brain needs biotin to make neurotransmitters that keep you feeling mentally alert, happy and attentive. Low biotin can cause fatigue and depression.
There are reports that excessive biotin supplementation can lead to insomnia. Since biotin supplements are needed to metabolize fats and carbohydrates and turn these into energy, excessive intake of biotin during nighttime might lead to a surge of energy. This surge of energy may make it difficult for you to sleep.
Most commonly, biotin use can result in falsely high levels of T4 and T3 and falsely low levels of TSH, leading to either a wrong diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or that the thyroid hormone dose is too high.
To maximize the intake of biotin and for safety reasons, always cook eggs before eating them. Raw egg white contains a protein called dietary avidin, which binds to biotin and makes it harder for the body to absorb it. Cooking separates the biotin from the avidin, helping the digestive tract to absorb the vitamin.
Profound biotinidase deficiency (< 10% mean normal serum enzyme activity) typically presents within the first 6 months of life, although the age of onset can vary. The age range of symptom presentation is from the first week of life through age 10 years, with the mean age of onset at age 3.5 months.
Research has shown that biotin actually does little to promote healthy hair and nails. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, has virtually no influence over hair growth or follicle health. Unless you're suffering from a biotin deficiency, biotin supplements are basically a waste of money.
If you decide to take biotin in pill form, be sure to drink eight or more glasses of water per day to flush it through your system. Drinking less than that could lead to biotin induced acne.
If a person has a biotin deficiency, taking biotin may improve the health of their skin. Otherwise, collagen can be a better option as there is more evidence to suggest it helps improve the skin's appearance.
In terms of your hair and scalp, taking too much biotin won't result in drastic damage. But while your magnificent mane might not be in danger, biotin could have adverse effects on your skin. “What I see most often is breakouts on the face, chest, and back,” Breana cautions.
Humans cannot synthesize biotin and thus must obtain this vitamin from exogenous sources. The intestine is exposed to 2 sources of biotin: a dietary source and a bacterial source, which is normal microflora of the large intestine. Dietary protein-bound biotin is converted to free biotin prior to absorption.
Vitamin B12 depends on an adequate supply of biotin; part of B12's effect can only take place if the supply of biotin is ensured. In conclusion, during high-dose initial therapy following deficiency and if the biotin supply is in doubt, it is advisable to take additional biotin.
“Consuming beverages with caffeine inhibits the absorption of water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C, biotin and the seven B vitamins.”