Biotin for increased energy levels

Biotin is a water soluble vitamin; this vitamin is necessary for energy metabolism. It also plays a role in fat synthesis, amino acid metabolism and glycogen synthesis.

Biotin helps in various aspects of metabolism and will transport carbon dioxide; it will also help in maintaining a constant blood sugar level.

Biotin is recommended to strengthen hair and nails, because it helps generate new cells that are needed to strengthen hair and nails, therefore Biotin is found in various cosmetics and health care products, but it can not be absorbed directly through the skin or nails.

Weight loss may be another biotin benefit, as the vitamin is essential in the conversion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to energy.

Who is at risk

A Biotin deficiency is very uncommon, as intestinal bacteria produce Biotin in large amounts for the body’s daily requirements, for this reason it is not likely that a GP will prescribe a daily intake of Biotin.

People using prescription drugs, especially antibiotics, may be at risk as these drugs may deplete Biotin and other B vitamins.

Biotin bioavailability may be low or vary depending on a person’s diet.

People who suffer from an underlying metabolic disorder in which case the intestinal bacteria are not producing enough Biotin.

A Biotin deficiency can be caused by over consumption of raw egg whites.

Sources of Biotin

Biotin can be found in a large range of food present in our daily diet e.g. corn and various grains, however there are a few food sources that have a high Biotin content, for example raw egg yolk, but if you consume the egg white with the yolk it minimizes the Biotin count, liver, vegetables and peanuts.

Since Biotin

is part of an important complex of vitamins , it is best to use supplements containing not only biotin, but other nutrients as well.

There is little evidence to prove occurrence of side effects when the right dosage of Biotin was consumed.

How to recognize a Biotin deficiency

The following are symptoms of a Biotin deficiency:

• Dermatitis (a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area)
• Hair loss
• Fragile nails
• Neuromuscular dysfunction
• Conjunctivitis
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Hallucinations
• Numbness and tingling of the extremities
• Facial rash
• Unusual facial fat distribution
• Impaired immune system function, including increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections
• Pregnant woman are at a high risk for Biotin deficiency due to an abnormal increase of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid and this put the fetus at risk for malnourishment. Infants and embryos are more sensitive to the biotin deficiency