| We need Biotin for
proper energy metabolism and for growth, for the production of fatty
acids, of antibodies, of digestive enzymes, and in Niacin
metabolism. The vitamin also has insulin-like activity in lowering
blood sugar. Researchers have found nine enzyme systems in your body
that require Biotin to work.
There is some evidence that biotin supplementation helps
to prevent and treat nervous system disorders seen in patients undergoing
long-term hemodialysis.
Interactions include:
Raw egg white contains a substance called avidin--a
biotin antivitamin--that binds to biotin & prevents its absorption
into your blood.
Alcohol impairs your ability to absorb biotin & therefore, chronic
abuse of alcohol can make you deficient in biotin.
Conversion of biotin to its active form requires Magnesium,
you can also become deficient in biotin.
Antibiotics increase your need for biotin by killing the intestinal
bacteria that produce it for you.
| Deficiency signs |
Excess signs |
| Spotty hair loss; seborrheic
dermatitis (most commonly seen in infants); anemia; loss of appetite
& nausea; depression; fatigue; high blood cholesterol; elevated
blood sugar; sleeplessness; pain & weakness of the muscles; dry
skin; grayish cast to the skin; pale smooth tongue. |
No toxic effects
have been reported, even with daily doses as high as 10mg. |
| Normally 300mcg daily for men and women. |
|
