What is Vitamin B7?
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is important for the metabolism of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Biotin is also called B-7, vitamin H, or coenzyme R.
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Functions of Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Here are some of the reasons why vitamin B7 is important:
Energy metabolism: Vitamin B7 helps the body convert food into energy by assisting enzymes in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This is particularly important for individuals who engage in physical activity as it helps improve their athletic performance and endurance.
Healthy hair, skin, and nails: Vitamin B7 is essential for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. It helps to strengthen hair and nails and improves the overall health and appearance of the skin. It helps in the synthesis of keratin, a protein that is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin B7 deficiency can lead to brittle nails, hair loss, and skin rashes.
Cognitive function: Vitamin B7 is important for cognitive function, and a deficiency may contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disorders.
Nervous System: Vitamin B7 is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that help transmit signals between nerve cells. Biotin deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as depression, lethargy, and numbness or tingling in the extremities.
Fetal development: Vitamin B7 is important during pregnancy for proper fetal development. It is essential for embryonic growth and development, and a deficiency of biotin during pregnancy can lead to birth defects.
Blood sugar regulation: Vitamin B7 helps to regulate blood sugar levels, making it important for individuals with diabetes. Studies have shown that biotin supplementation can improve glucose tolerance and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Dietary sources of vitamin B7 (Biotin)
The body can produce some biotin through the activity of gut bacteria, but it is still important to get enough biotin from dietary sources. Fortunately, many dietary sources of biotin can help meet the body's needs.
One of the richest dietary sources of biotin is liver, particularly beef liver. One serving of beef liver (3 ounces) contains more than 30 micrograms of biotin, which is more than 100% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Other animal products that are good sources of biotin include egg yolks, salmon, pork, and chicken.
Vegetarian sources of biotin include nuts, seeds, and some vegetables. Almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds are particularly good sources of biotin. Other good sources of biotin include sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Biotin is also found in some fortified foods, such as bread, cereal, and nutritional yeast. These products have been enriched with additional biotin to help ensure that people get enough of this important vitamin.
Causes of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency
A deficiency of Biotin is extremely rare, as Biotin is found in a variety of foods. Deficiency of biotin can occur due to:
Here are some of the causes of vitamin B7 deficiency:
1.) Inadequate dietary intake: A lack of biotin in the diet is a common cause of biotin deficiency. Biotin is found in a variety of foods, including liver, egg yolks, dairy products, nuts, and whole grains. However, consuming a diet low in biotin-rich foods can lead to a deficiency.
2.) Overconsumption of raw egg whites: Raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin and prevents its absorption in the body. Overconsumption of raw egg whites can lead to biotin deficiency, as the avidin binds to the biotin and prevents it from being absorbed in the body.
3.) Intestinal malabsorption: Certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, can lead to intestinal malabsorption of biotin, leading to a deficiency.
4.) Antibiotics: Prolonged use of antibiotics can interfere with the production of biotin in the gut by destroying the beneficial bacteria that produce it.
5.) Genetic disorders: Rare genetic disorders, such as biotinidase deficiency and holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency, can lead to a deficiency of biotin.
6.) Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased requirements for biotin. A deficiency in biotin during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects.
7.) Smoking: Smoking has been shown to decrease the absorption and utilization of biotin in the body, leading to a deficiency.
Individuals at high risk of biotin deficiency should consult a healthcare professional to determine if they need supplements or dietary changes to maintain adequate levels of the vitamin.
Symptoms of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency
It's important to note that symptoms of vitamin B7 (biotin) deficiency are rare, as the body can recycle and reuse biotin. However, prolonged deficiency can cause symptoms such as:
1.)Hair loss: Vitamin B7 deficiency can cause thinning and loss of hair on the scalp and other areas of the body.
2.) Skin issues: Biotin deficiency can cause a scaly, red rash around the nose, mouth, and other areas of the face.
3.) Brittle nails: Individuals with a biotin deficiency may experience weak, brittle nails that are prone to breaking and splitting.
4.) Neurological symptoms: Prolonged biotin deficiency can cause neurological symptoms such as seizures, depression, lethargy, and numbness and tingling in the extremities.
5.) Cognitive impairment: Biotin deficiency may contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disorders.
6.) Muscle pain: Some individuals with a biotin deficiency may experience muscle pain and cramping.
It's important to note that these symptoms are rare and typically only occur in individuals with severe biotin deficiency or underlying health conditions that interfere with biotin absorption.
Complications of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency
A deficiency of biotin can lead to various complications and health problems.
Skin problems: Biotin deficiency can lead to skin problems such as rashes, dryness, and cracking. The deficiency can also cause fungal infections and dermatitis.
Hair loss: Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss and thinning of hair. It can also affect the texture and quality of hair.
Neurological problems: Biotin deficiency can cause neurological problems such as seizures, depression, and hallucinations.
Developmental delays: Biotin deficiency can affect the growth and development of infants and children. It can cause developmental delays and neurological problems in infants.
Muscle pain and weakness: Biotin deficiency can cause muscle pain, weakness, and cramps. It can also affect the muscles involved in breathing and cause respiratory problems.
Cardiovascular problems: Biotin deficiency can lead to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Metabolic disorders: Biotin deficiency can lead to metabolic disorders such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance.
Impaired immune function: Biotin deficiency can impair immune function and increase the risk of infections and diseases.
Pregnancy complications: Biotin deficiency can lead to pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and birth defects.
Titamin B7 (Biotin) deficiency can lead to various complications and health problems, affecting the skin, hair, neurological system, cardiovascular system, immune system, and metabolic processes.
Diagnosis of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency
The diagnosis of biotin deficiency can be challenging because its symptoms are similar to those of other vitamin deficiencies and various health conditions. Also, the levels of biotin in the blood do not accurately reflect the total body stores of biotin. Therefore, physicians use various methods to diagnose biotin deficiency, which includes:
Clinical Assessment
Physicians will perform a physical examination and assess the patient's medical history, dietary habits, and symptoms. They may also ask about any medications or supplements that the patient is taking.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can detect biotin levels in the body. However, the total biotin levels in the blood may not accurately reflect the biotin levels in the body. Therefore, physicians may perform other tests that measure biotin-dependent enzymes' activity, such as holocarboxylase synthetase, propionyl-CoA carboxylase, and pyruvate carboxylase.
Urine Tests
Urine tests can also detect biotin levels in the body. The urine organic acid test can detect abnormal levels of organic acids that indicate biotin deficiency.
Skin Biopsy
Skin biopsy can be used to detect biotin deficiency. The biopsy shows abnormal changes in the skin cells, such as hyperkeratosis or acanthosis.
Genetic Testing
Biotinidase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to biotin deficiency. Genetic testing can detect the presence of the gene mutation that causes biotinidase deficiency.
Management of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency
The management of biotin deficiency primarily involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the deficiency. In many cases, a lack of biotin can be attributed to poor dietary intake or impaired absorption. Therefore, increasing the intake of biotin-rich foods or taking biotin supplements can help to restore biotin levels.
Biotin-rich foods include organ meats, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and certain fruits and vegetables. These foods should be incorporated into the diet in adequate amounts to prevent biotin deficiency. Biotin supplements are also available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and gummies. These supplements can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin, hair, or nails.
In addition to addressing the underlying cause of the deficiency and replenishing biotin levels, the management of biotin deficiency may also involve the treatment of any associated symptoms. For example, if hair loss is a symptom of biotin deficiency, hair growth products or medications may be recommended. Similarly, if skin rashes are present, topical creams or ointments may be prescribed.
It is important to note that biotin deficiency is a rare condition and is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. Therefore, proper diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications associated with biotin deficiency.
Prevention of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency
Biotin deficiency is rare but can occur in individuals who have poor dietary intake, consume large amounts of raw egg whites, or have underlying medical conditions.
Here are some ways to prevent biotin deficiency:
Eat biotin-rich foods
Biotin is found in a wide variety of foods, including whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and animal products. Some of the best sources of biotin include liver, egg yolks, salmon, almonds, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help ensure that you're getting enough biotin to meet your body's needs.
Limit raw egg white consumption
Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin that binds to biotin, preventing its absorption in the body. While cooking the egg whites denatures the avidin protein and makes biotin available for absorption, consuming raw egg whites regularly can lead to biotin deficiency. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the consumption of raw egg whites, especially if you're not getting enough biotin from other dietary sources.
Consider biotin supplements
Biotin supplements are available over-the-counter and can help prevent or treat biotin deficiency. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as excessive biotin intake can lead to adverse effects.
Manage underlying medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can affect the body's ability to absorb and use biotin, leading to deficiency. These conditions include inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and some genetic disorders. If you have any of these conditions, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to manage them effectively and ensure that you're getting enough biotin.
