Biotin Deficiency: Everything You Need to Know

Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin H or B-7, that helps the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is needed to produce energy. Biotin deficiency can cause symptoms such as thinning hair, scaly skin rashes, conjunctivitis, and more.

Who is at risk for Biotin Deficiency?

People who have conditions that affect nutrient absorption or who are taking certain medications may be at increased risk of developing biotin deficiency.

Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is the most common cause of biotin deficiency. This is a rare genetic condition in which the body cannot use biotin from food. BTD affects about one in 60,000 newborns. Babies with BTD may begin to show symptoms in the first weeks or months of life, including hypotonia (weak muscles), seizures, alopecia ( hair loss ), eczema, and developmental delays.

Conditions and medications

Other risk factors for biotin deficiency include:

• Parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) for long periods.
• Long-term use of anti-seizure medications, which can reduce biotin levels.
• Long-term use of antibiotics, which can destroy biotin-producing bacteria in the gut.
• Conditions that make it difficult to absorb nutrients, such as Crohn's disease.
• Excessive exposure to alcohol, which hinders the absorption of biotin.
• Pregnancy, with about a third of pregnant women developing a marginal biotin deficiency.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of biotin deficiency develop gradually and may include thinning or even loss of hair all over the body, as well as red, scaly rashes around body orifices. In adults, biotin deficiency can cause seizures, skin infections, brittle nails, and neurological problems such as depression, lethargy, and hallucinations.

How is it treated?

Symptoms of BTD can go away with medical help, but a person may need to take biotin supplements for the rest of their life. Biotin is available in multivitamins and over-the-counter supplements, but a balanced diet is considered the best source of B vitamins. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 30 micrograms (mcg), and for children, 5 mcg. Pregnant women should aim for 35 mcg daily.

Good sources of biotin include:

• brewer's yeast
• boiled eggs, especially the yolk
• sardines
• nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts)
• nut butters
• legumes, such as soybeans, beans, peas
• whole grains
• cauliflower
• bananas
• mushrooms

It is important to note that some food processing techniques can destroy biotin, and raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin that prevents biotin from being absorbed.

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