To get the best experience while viewing this site, it is recommended that you upgrade to a modern browser version of Chrome or Firefox.

You may do so by clicking on one of these icons:


southern new mexico surgery center
 
  •  

  •  
    Health Library Explorer
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
    Interactive Tools

    Biotin

    Other name(s):

    vitamin H (archaic), coenzyme R, d-biotin, hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thienol[3,4-d]-imidazole-4-pentatonoic acid

    General description

    Biotin is a B vitamin. It’s water-soluble. It’s easily absorbed when you take it by mouth. It’s found in a variety of foods. It’s also made by bacteria inside the large intestine. Biotin deficiency is rare. Like the other B vitamins, biotin helps your body make energy.

    Biotin works with carboxylase enzymes, ATP, and magnesium to use carbon dioxide to help make fatty acids. Biotin also helps make proteins and purines. Biotin helps your body break down carbohydrates and the amino acid tryptophan.

    Medically valid uses

    Biotin is the treatment for some genetic conditions caused by lack of certain enzymes. These include:

    • Biotinidase deficiency

    • Propionic acidemia

    • Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency

    These conditions can cause neurological damage and abnormal skin conditions. They happen often enough that healthcare providers may start testing for them at birth.

    Unsubstantiated claims

    There may be benefits that have not yet been proven through research.

    Biotin may help treat hair loss (alopecia). It may also treat skin issues. These can include acne, seborrhea, and eczema.

    Recommended intake

    Biotin is measured in micrograms (mcg). AI is the Adequate Intake.

    Group

    AI

    Infants (0–6 months)

    5 mcg 

    Infants (7–12 months)

    6 mcg 

    Children (1–3 years)

    8 mcg

    Children (4–8 years)

    12 mcg

    Children (9–13 years)

    20 mcg

    Children (14–18 years)

    25 mcg

    Adults (19 years and older)

    30 mcg

    Pregnant women

    30 mcg

    Breastfeeding women

    35 mcg

    Food source

    Nutrient content

    Beef liver, cooked, 3 ounces

    30.8 mcg

    Egg, whole, cooked

    10 mcg

    Salmon, pink, canned in water, 3 ounces

    5 mcg

    Pork chop, cooked, 3 ounces

    3.8 mcg

    Hamburger patty, cooked, 3 ounces

    3.8 mcg

    Sunflower seeds, roasted, ¼ cup

    2.6 mcg

    Sweet potato, cooked, ½ cup

    2.4 mcg

    Almonds, roasted, ¼ cup

    1.5 mcg

    Spinach, boiled, ½ cup

    0.5 mcg

    Milk, 2%, 1 cup

    0.3 mcg

    Biotin is stable at room temperature. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It isn’t destroyed by cooking.

    Biotin deficiency can be caused by:

    • Eating a lot of raw egg whites (more than 6 per day), as egg whites contain a protein (avidin) that blocks the absorption of biotin

    • A weakened immune system

    • Cirrhosis of the liver

    • The genetic condition phenylketonuria (PKU)

    • Taking seizure medicines (anticonvulsants), such as carbamazepine and phenytoin.

    • Chronic alcohol use

    • Certain rare genetic disorders

    Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need to take supplements, but you should talk with your healthcare provider before doing so.

    Biotin deficiency can cause: 

    • Impaired glucose tolerance

    • Loss of appetite

    • Nausea

    • Muscle pain (myalgia)

    • Localized sensory changes (paresthesia)

    • Seborrheic dermatitis

    • Depression

    Side effects, toxicity, and interactions

    There are no known problems due to too much use of biotin. Extra biotin comes out in urine.

    There are no known food or medicine interactions.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Bianca Garilli MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
    Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2023
    horizontal line

    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer