Biotin
Brand Names
Biotina, Biotine, Biotine-D, Coenzyme R, D-Biotin, Vitamin B7, Vitamin H, Vitamine B7, Vitamine H, W Factor, Cis-hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thieno[3,4-d]-imidazole-4-valeric AcidWhat is Biotin
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin. In general, you need a small amount of it and many foods are rich in this vitamin. It is also produced by the intestinal flora (the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract) and it is "recycled" within the human body. Biotin deficiencies are quite rare, although some situations may increase the risk of a deficiency such as certain medications or medical conditions.
Biotin is vital for human health and the lack of it causes a lot of health problems. It is also effective for nail or hair health.
Side effects of Biotin
Biotin does not cause any side effects, even extremely high doses. But if you think you have a biotin side effect, please inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Indication
Biotin is used to prevent and treat biotin deficiency linked to pregnancy, long-term tube feeding, malnutrition and rapid weight loss. It can also be used orally for hair loss, brittle nails, skin rash in infants (seborrheic dermatitis), diabetes and mild depression.
Precautions
A higher intake of biotin is recommended in such situations as:
- Biotinidase deficiency (a genetic disorder)
- Chronic use of certain seizure medications or antibiotics
- Consumption of large quantities of raw egg whites (which contain a substance that causes biotin depletion)
- Kidney dialysis
- IV feedings (known as total parenteral nutrition or TPN) that do not contain biotin
Dosage forms
| Age | Biotin Adequate Intake |
| Infants (0-6 months) | 5 mcg per day |
| Infants (7-12 months) | 6 mcg per day |
| 1-3 years | 8 mcg per day |
| 4-8 years | 12 mcg per day |
| 9-13 years | 20 mcg per day |
| 14-18 years | 25 mcg per day |
| 19 years and older | 30 mcg per day |
| Pregnant women | 30 mcg per day |
| Breastfeeding women | 35 mcg per day |
