Functions
Biotin is one more member of the B complex. It functions as coenzyme R in energy production and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, the production of fatty acids, the development of body cells, the maintenance of bone marrow, hair, nerves, sex glands, skin and sweat glands, and the utilization of the B complex vitamins by the body.
Sources
Dried brewer's yeast and yeast extract, eggs, whole grains, wheat bran and wheatgerm, soy beans, maize, fish, meats, rice.
Uses
- Baldness and scalp disease
- Leiner's disease or exfoliative dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis or skin problems associated with the oil-secreting glands of the skin
- Systemic candidiasis or generalized yeast infection
Deficiency
- Depression, fatigue, nausea
- Drowsiness
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite and uncontrolled reflexes
- Muscular pains
- Smooth pale tongue
Safety
Biotin is safe and no symptoms of excesses have been reported. However, biotin deficiency may be caused by the compound avidin contained in raw egg whites, but this requires eating a lot of raw eggs. Cooking destroys avidin.