Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B7, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that plays a crucial role in many metabolic processes in the body. Some of the benefits of biotin include:
- Healthy hair, skin, and nails: Biotin is often recommended for improving the health of hair, skin, and nails. It helps strengthen hair and nails, reduces brittleness, and improves the texture of the skin.
- Metabolism: Biotin plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It helps convert food into energy and supports the proper functioning of the nervous system.
- Blood sugar control: Biotin helps regulate blood sugar levels by improving the body’s ability to use glucose efficiently. This is particularly important for people with diabetes.
- Pregnancy: Biotin is important for fetal development during pregnancy. It supports the growth and development of the fetus, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Heart health: Biotin helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which is important for maintaining heart health.
- Thyroid function: Biotin supports the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating metabolism.
- Brain function: Biotin plays a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are important for proper brain function and mood regulation.
- Multiple sclerosis: Some research suggests that biotin may be beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis by reducing inflammation and improving nerve function.
- Immune system: Biotin helps support the immune system by producing antibodies that fight infections and diseases.
It is important to note that biotin deficiency is rare and can usually be addressed by a healthy diet. However, some people may benefit from biotin supplements, especially those with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions.
A deficiency of Biotin can cause
Biotin deficiency is rare but can occur in people who consume large amounts of raw egg whites, have certain genetic conditions, or have malabsorption disorders. Here are 20 diseases or symptoms that can occur due to biotin deficiency:
- Skin rashes: Biotin deficiency can cause skin rashes, especially around the mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Hair loss: Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, brittle hair, and thinning of hair.
- Conjunctivitis: Biotin deficiency can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye.
- Neurological symptoms: Biotin deficiency can cause neurological symptoms such as seizures, depression, and confusion.
- Developmental delays: Biotin deficiency during pregnancy can cause developmental delays in infants.
- Muscle pain and weakness: Biotin deficiency can cause muscle pain, weakness, and cramps.
- Fatigue: Biotin deficiency can lead to fatigue and low energy levels.
- Cardiovascular disease: Biotin deficiency can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by causing an increase in blood lipids.
- Nausea and vomiting: Biotin deficiency can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
- Vision problems: Biotin deficiency can cause vision problems such as blurred vision and photophobia (sensitivity to light).
- Immune system dysfunction: Biotin deficiency can impair immune function, making a person more susceptible to infections.
- Hearing loss: Biotin deficiency can cause hearing loss, especially in infants.
- Elevated levels of lactic acid: Biotin deficiency can cause an increase in lactic acid levels in the blood, which can lead to acidosis and other metabolic disturbances.
- Dermatitis: Biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by inflammation and itching.
- Anemia: Biotin deficiency can cause anemia by impairing the production of red blood cells.
- Diabetes: Biotin deficiency can increase the risk of diabetes by impairing glucose metabolism.
- Myalgia: Biotin deficiency can cause myalgia or muscle pain.
- Hypotonia: Biotin deficiency can cause hypotonia or decreased muscle tone.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Biotin deficiency can cause seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body.
- Paresthesia: Biotin deficiency can cause paresthesia or a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Rich Source of Oil Per Serving
Here are 10 oils that are a rich source of biotin, along with their calorie content per serving (50g) in a table format:
Oil | Biotin content (per 50g) | Calories (per 50g) |
---|---|---|
Almond oil | 54 mcg | 451 |
Sunflower oil | 39 mcg | 428 |
Peanut oil | 33 mcg | 458 |
Sesame oil | 31 mcg | 451 |
Canola oil | 28 mcg | 446 |
Soybean oil | 25 mcg | 448 |
Olive oil | 17 mcg | 422 |
Corn oil | 16 mcg | 450 |
Coconut oil | 6 mcg | 458 |
Avocado oil | 3 mcg | 458 |
Rich Source of Vegetables Per Serving
Here are 20 vegetables that are a rich source of biotin, along with their calorie content per serving (50g) in a table format:
Vegetable | Biotin content (per 50g) | Calories (per 50g) |
---|---|---|
Sweet potato | 2.4 mcg | 43 |
Carrot | 1.3 mcg | 20 |
Spinach | 1.3 mcg | 7 |
Broccoli | 1.2 mcg | 14 |
Cauliflower | 1.0 mcg | 11 |
Green peas | 0.9 mcg | 34 |
Brussels sprouts | 0.9 mcg | 16 |
Asparagus | 0.8 mcg | 10 |
Bell pepper | 0.7 mcg | 9 |
Cabbage | 0.6 mcg | 8 |
Kale | 0.5 mcg | 8 |
Tomato | 0.4 mcg | 8 |
Mushrooms | 0.4 mcg | 8 |
Beetroot | 0.3 mcg | 20 |
Radish | 0.3 mcg | 5 |
Zucchini | 0.3 mcg | 7 |
Eggplant | 0.3 mcg | 7 |
Artichoke | 0.2 mcg | 14 |
Onion | 0.2 mcg | 12 |
Garlic | 0.1 mcg | 27 |
Rich Source of fruits Per Serving
Here are 20 fruits that are a rich source of biotin, along with their calorie content per serving (50g) in a table format:
Fruit | Biotin content (per 50g) | Calories (per 50g) |
---|---|---|
Avocado | 2.6 mcg | 80 |
Raspberry | 0.7 mcg | 16 |
Strawberry | 0.7 mcg | 20 |
Blackberry | 0.7 mcg | 18 |
Blueberry | 0.6 mcg | 24 |
Grapefruit | 0.4 mcg | 15 |
Kiwi | 0.4 mcg | 26 |
Orange | 0.3 mcg | 22 |
Cantaloupe | 0.3 mcg | 13 |
Peach | 0.2 mcg | 17 |
Pineapple | 0.2 mcg | 22 |
Mango | 0.2 mcg | 22 |
Plum | 0.2 mcg | 19 |
Watermelon | 0.2 mcg | 12 |
Papaya | 0.2 mcg | 23 |
Apple | 0.1 mcg | 23 |
Banana | 0.1 mcg | 34 |
Grapes | 0.1 mcg | 27 |
Pear | 0.1 mcg | 23 |
Cherry | 0.1 mcg | 20 |
Rich Source of Herbs Per Serving
Biotin is not typically found in significant amounts in medical herbs. However, some herbs may contain small amounts of biotin, along with other important nutrients. Here are 20 herbs that may contain some biotin, along with their calorie content per serving (50g) in a table format:
Herb | Biotin content (per 50g) | Calories (per 50g) |
---|---|---|
Basil | 0.1 mcg | 5 |
Thyme | 0.1 mcg | 14 |
Parsley | 0.1 mcg | 11 |
Dill | 0.1 mcg | 10 |
Rosemary | 0.1 mcg | 12 |
Oregano | 0.1 mcg | 21 |
Sage | 0.1 mcg | 22 |
Bay leaves | 0.1 mcg | 17 |
Fennel | 0.1 mcg | 7 |
Chives | 0.1 mcg | 4 |
Cilantro | 0.1 mcg | 2 |
Mint | 0.1 mcg | 7 |
Tarragon | 0.1 mcg | 20 |
Lemongrass | 0.1 mcg | 5 |
Chamomile | 0.1 mcg | 1 |
Lavender | 0.1 mcg | 3 |
Marjoram | 0.1 mcg | 23 |
Nettle | 0.1 mcg | 12 |
Turmeric | 0.1 mcg | 14 |
Ginger | 0.1 mcg | 5 |
Daily Consumption Chart
Group | Biotin Daily Intake |
---|---|
Infants (0-6 months) | 5 mcg/day |
Infants (7-12 months) | 6 mcg/day |
Children (1-3 years) | 8 mcg/day |
Children (4-8 years) | 12 mcg/day |
Children (9-13 years) | 20 mcg/day |
Adolescents (14-18 years) | 25 mcg/day (male), 25 mcg/day (female) |
Adults (19+ years) | 30 mcg/day |
Pregnant Women | 35 mcg/day |
Breastfeeding Women | 35 mcg/day |
Side effects of the overdose
Biotin is generally considered safe, even in high doses. Because it is a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are usually excreted in urine rather than stored in the body. However, very high doses of biotin supplements (usually more than 10,000 mcg per day) may cause side effects in some people, including:
- Skin rashes and acne breakouts
- Digestive upset, such as nausea, cramping, and diarrhea
- Interference with lab test results, including those related to thyroid function and hormone levels
- High blood sugar levels, which may be problematic for people with diabetes or other blood sugar issues
It’s important to note that these side effects are rare, and most people who take biotin supplements at the recommended dosages experience no adverse effects. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking biotin supplements, or have any concerns about your biotin intake, talk to your healthcare provider.