There are many causes of
Antibiotics -- Long-term antibiotic use may lower biotin levels by destroying the bacteria in the gut that produces biotin. Antiseizure Medications -- Taking antiseizure or anticonvulsant medications for a long time can lower biotin levels in the body.
Signs of biotin deficiency include skin rashes, hair loss, and brittle nails [10,13]. Therefore, biotin supplements are often promoted for hair, skin, and nail health [16,23,24]. However, these claims are supported, at best, by only a few case reports and small studies.
Egg white contains a protein called avidin, which binds to biotin extremely tightly, though not via a covalent linkage. The physiological function of the avidin in egg white is not clear. The protein tightly binds the biotin released during the digestion of dietary protein and prevents its absorption.
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.
How long does it take to recover? 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.
Biotinidase deficiency is treated with oral biotin (vitamin H; coenzyme R, part of vitamin B complex) supplements. Treatment should begin as soon as the diagnosis is made. With biotin treatment, symptoms of the disorder may disappear.
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.
Aside from prolonged consumption of raw egg white or total intravenous nutritional support lacking biotin, other conditions may increase the risk of biotin depletion. Smoking has been associated with increased biotin catabolism (11).
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.
Side effects of biotin can include: Trouble sleeping. Skin rashes. Digestive upset.
Biotin deficiency and fatigue
When B vitamins are deficient, including Biotin, the body cannot keep up with the energy requirements needed to power up the brain and other body parts. Lack of ATPs, which is the cell's energy currency, results in low energy or getting tired quickly.
Ask a doctor before using biotin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
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.
Egg white contains an anti-nutrient called avidin. Avidin binds to the B vitamin biotin, preventing its absorption.
6. Biotin (Vitamin B7) The brain is particularly sensitive to the delivery and metabolism of glucose. Biotin plays a key role in glucose metabolism and haemostasis, including regulation of hepatic glucose uptake, gluconeogenesis (and lipogenesis), insulin receptor transcription and pancreatic β-cell function [18].
When testing vitamin D levels using these immunoassays, biotin interference can cause a falsely high result. This has been known to create confusion for participants when testing their vitamin D levels through GrassrootsHealth and another lab (such as through their doctor) around the same time.
When taken by mouth: Biotin is likely safe for most people when taken in doses up to 300 mg daily for up to 6 months. But it is more commonly used in lower doses of 2.5 mg daily. When applied to the skin: Biotin is likely safe for most people when applied in cosmetic products that contain up to 0.6% biotin.
There is no specific antidote for overdosing on biotin. Excess in the body is rare, and since biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, it is excreted in the urine when in excess. Signs and symptoms of biotin overdose may include and are not limited to insomnia, excessive thirst, and urination.
Sources of Biotin
Other foods that contain this vitamin are whole meal bread, salmon, pork, sardines, mushroom and cauliflower. Fruits that contain biotin include avocados, bananas and raspberries. In general, a healthy varied diet provides the body with sufficient amounts of biotin.