| Essential for the activity of many enzyme systems; biotin-containing
enzymes play a vital role in the production of energy from the metabolism
of carbohydrates and fats, and are also involved in the manufacture
of fats and the excretion of by-products from protein metabolism;
biotin-containing enzymes participate in (a) carboxylation reactions,
adding CO2 to acceptor molecules, (b) decarboxylation reactions where
CO2 groups are removed, and (c) deamination reactions where NH2 groups
are removed from certain amino acids; contributes to the overall health
of skin, hair, nails and the cardiovascular system; and many other
B-vitamins cannot function optimally without the presence of biotin.
A biotin deficiency could be a contributing cause of anorexia,
cardiac irregularities, dermatitis, fatigue, hair loss, irritability,
lesions on the nose and mouth, loss of hair color, mild anemia,
mild depression, muscle pain, nausea, numbness and tingling of the
extremities, and premenstrual syndrome. Long-term antibiotic use
can also cause a biotin deficiency. Some diabetics may have an abnormality
in the biotin-dependent enzyme pyruvate carboxylase which can lead
to dysfunctions of the nervous system.
Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a biotin deficiency include
aminoglycosides, carbamazepine, cephalosporins, chlortetracycline,
demeclocycline, doxycycline, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, minocycline,
oxytetracycline, penicillins, phenytoin, primidone, sulfonamides,
tetracyclines and trimethoprim.
Dietary sources
richest in biotin (per serving) include banana, egg yolk, fish,
grapefruit, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), liver, nutritional
supplements, nutritional yeasts, peanut, rice bran, royal jelly,
soy flour, strawberry, watermelon, and whole grains and grain products.
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hCG
