Biotin - Symptoms and Toxic Effect Biotin

You may know vitamin B7 by its popular name, biotin. It is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in some foods and also in dietary supplements. Biotin plays an important role in supporting enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in food. It also helps regulate signals sent by cells and the activity of genes.

Why B7 is important for our body?

Biotin or vitamin B7 supplements are often touted as a remedy for hair loss and to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. Although biotin deficiency can certainly lead to hair loss and skin or nail problems, the evidence for supplement benefit is inconclusive. A handful of case reports and small studies have shown benefits, but the study designs had weaknesses:

1- Diagnoses for the type of hair problems varied or were not mentioned at all. Researchers also noted that certain hair loss conditions, such as alopecia, can resolve spontaneously without treatment, so it's not clear whether biotin or vitamin B7 supplements specifically caused regrowth.

2- The studies did not measure baseline levels of biotin or vitamin B7 in participants' blood to determine whether they were normal or deficient. Some research suggests that biotin supplements are especially beneficial for people who are deficient in this nutrient. Again, however, there are no studies that measured biotin levels before and during supplementation to confirm this conclusion.

3- To date, there are no published studies suggesting that biotin supplements are beneficial for the growth of normal, healthy hair and nails.

4- Despite inconclusive evidence, biotin supplements remain popular. Between 1999 and 2016, the percentage of supplement users increased nearly thirty-fold. In November 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning based on reports of biotin supplements interfering with laboratory blood tests, leading to false results. Depending on the test, high doses have either caused falsely increased or lowered blood levels. This has affected laboratory results for certain hormones, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone and vitamin D, as well as a biomarker for heart attacks called troponin. Case reports of this occurrence have described people taking biotin at levels well above the AI (30 micrograms daily, or 0.03 mg) but at doses commonly found in dietary supplements (10-300 mg). Multivitamins and supplements for hair, nails, and skin frequently contain biotin. The FDA recommends that patients inform their physician at each visit of all supplements and dosages they are taking.

Source of Food

1. Beef Liver
2. Eggs (Cooked)
3. Salmon
4. Avocados
5. Pork
6. Sweet potato
7. Nuts, and Seeds

Symptoms of Weakness and Toxic Effect

Biotin deficiency is rare in the United States because most people get enough biotin from a varied diet. Alcoholism may increase the risk of biotin deficiency and many other nutrients because alcohol can block the absorption of these substances, and alcohol abuse is generally associated with inadequate dietary intake. About one-third of pregnant women have mild biotin deficiency despite adequate intakes, although the exact cause is not clear.

Symptoms:

1. Losing Hair
2. Scaly Skin rashes near the Mouth, Nose, and Eyes
3. Broken Nails

Toxic Effect:

In humans, there is no evidence of biotin toxicity, even at high intakes. Since it is water soluble, any excess amount is excreted in the urine. For biotin, there is no known upper limit or dangerous level.

Important Information:

Those who frequently use raw eggs in recipes for mayonnaise, Caesar dressing,or eggnog may want to reconsider. Avidin, a protein found in raw eggs, can bind to biotin and stop the absorption of the vitamin. Cooked eggs are not a problem because avidin is broken down when heated.