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Biotin deficiency is uncommon, especially when following a varied and balanced diet. However, certain circumstances can lead to an insufficient intake or interfere with its utilisation, causing symptoms such as skin changes, hair loss and certain neurological symptoms.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal macronutrient metabolism. It also contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and mucous membranes.
Understanding the possible causes of biotin deficiency and ensuring an adequate intake through the diet is essential to help prevent deficiency.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for diagnosis or advice from a healthcare professional. Symptoms associated with biotin deficiency can have many other causes.
What Causes Biotin Deficiency?
A balanced diet is usually sufficient to meet the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for vitamin B7. However, certain circumstances can reduce its absorption or increase requirements, potentially leading to deficiency:
- Consumption of raw egg whites: This is one of the more unusual dietary causes. Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which binds to biotin and prevents its absorption in the intestine. Cooking eggs denatures avidin, eliminating this issue.
- Intestinal absorption problems: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease or severe alterations in the gut microbiota can make it more difficult to properly absorb B vitamins.
- Highly restrictive diets: Prolonged, poorly planned diets that exclude entire food groups rich in this nutrient.
- Genetic factors (biotinidase deficiency): A rare inherited disorder in which the body is unable to recycle biotin efficiently, usually diagnosed in early childhood.
If you would like to learn more about what this vitamin is, its benefits and how it works in the body, we recommend visiting our complete guide to the benefits of Biotin.
Main Symptoms of Vitamin B7 Deficiency
Since the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognises that biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin and to normal energy-yielding metabolism, a deficiency of this nutrient can affect these areas.
Nutritional symptoms associated with low biotin levels include:
1. Hair and Skin Changes
This is often what leads people to start looking into this vitamin. Nutritional deficiency may result in weakened hair, loss of shine, brittle hair and, in prolonged cases, hair loss. Skin symptoms may include severe dryness or red, scaly rashes, particularly around the eyes, nose and mouth.
2. Fatigue and Low Energy
Biotin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. It is involved in the metabolism of the carbohydrates, fats and proteins we consume. A deficiency may be associated with unusual tiredness, general fatigue and lethargy.
3. Nervous System Symptoms
Since biotin contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function, severe deficiency may be associated with tingling in the extremities, mood changes or difficulty concentrating.
How to Maintain Adequate Levels: Diet and Supplementation
To help prevent or correct suboptimal biotin intake associated with diet, the first step is to ensure an adequate dietary intake. Foods such as cooked egg yolk, liver, nuts, seeds, salmon and avocado are natural sources of biotin.
However, when dietary intake may be insufficient or when you want to ensure a concentrated intake of biotin to support the normal maintenance of hair and skin, supplementation can be considered as part of a varied and balanced diet.
- We invite you to explore our Biotin supplements category, where you will find a range of nutritional formulas.
Biotin Supplements at HSN
Our Biotin 5000mcg by EssentialSeries features:
- High biotin content: Provides biotin, which contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and mucous membranes.
- D-Biotin: Made with D-biotin, the biologically active form of biotin.
- Clean Label Formula: Made with vegetable capsules (100% suitable for vegans), with no unnecessary additives or colourings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for a biotin supplement to work?
The effects of supplementation can vary depending on individual circumstances and nutritional status. Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin, but there is no established timeframe in which noticeable changes should occur, particularly in people who do not have a biotin deficiency.
Can biotin deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?
Although laboratory tests are available, blood levels do not always provide a complete picture of biotin status in the body. Healthcare professionals may consider laboratory findings alongside clinical symptoms, such as dermatitis or hair loss, as well as the patient’s medical and dietary history when assessing a possible deficiency.
Does hair loss mean I am deficient in biotin?
Not necessarily. Hair loss can occur with biotin deficiency, but it may also be caused by numerous nutritional, hormonal, genetic, physiological or medical factors. Hair loss alone is not sufficient to diagnose vitamin B7 deficiency.
Does taking more biotin make your hair grow more?
A higher biotin intake does not necessarily result in a greater effect on hair. Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, but the available evidence regarding the benefits of additional biotin intake in people who are not deficient is limited.
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