Vitamin B7 Biotin
Biotin B7 Why You Need it, Dosages and Warnings
Usually referred to as Biotin or B7, it is also known as vitamin H. It is the sixth of the eight B vitamins. Discovered in the 40’s, it was found that the substance named avidin found in egg whites is a glycoprotein that binds with biotin thus preventing its absorption.
Biotin metabolizes sugars and fats in the body creating energy. An enzyme named acetyl Co-A carboxylase needs biotin to function properly. This enzyme forms the building blocks of fat production in the body. Because all cell membranes in the body require the correct fat components for effective functioning, this enzyme is critical to the human body.
Skin cells heavily rely on fat production and this is why a deficiency in biotin often involves skin related symptoms. Biotin also supports the nervous system by metabolizing glucose and fats needed within the nervous system.
Synergistic nutrients that can help with vitamin B7 are chromium, vitamin, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folate, magnesium, and manganese.
Biotin is commonly an added ingredient in many hair and nail products.
Biotin deficiency often shows up in skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis in adults and cradle cap in children. Hair loss, such as thinning hair can also be a symptom of biotin deficiency.
Symptoms of biotin deficiency can include seizures, mild depression, hallucinations, tingling in the arms and legs, poor muscle tone and a lack of coordination. Muscle cramps related to physical exertion often surface due to the bodies impairment to effectively use sugar as fuel. Further symptoms can surface as red scaly rash around the eyes, nose and mouth.
Symptoms are the most common way for diagnosis since there is no good laboratory test available.
Where do humans get biotin?
Some of the best sources of satisfying your biotin needs are found in seafood, egg yolks, butter, bean sprouts, peanuts, yeast, cashews, liver, oats and milk. Other biotin rich foods are organ meats such as kidneys and liver, nuts such as sunflower seeds, legumes especially green peas, cauliflower, bananas, and cereals, especially rice bran, avocados, and leafy green vegetables. Tomatoes, raspberries, mushrooms and whole grain breads are also good sources of vitamin B7.
The top vegan sources are sunflower seeds, rice bran, fresh green peas, lentils, peanuts, walnuts, barley, oatmeal, pecans, carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms and avocados.
What are its uses?
Biotin is used in treating biotin deficiency associated with long-term tube feeding, pregnancy, rapid weight loss, and malnutrition. Oral treatments are directed at treating hair loss, skin rashes in infants, brittle nails, mild depression and diabetes.
Further treatments with insufficient data to rate full effectiveness are for hair loss when taken in combination with zinc and a cream containing clobetasol propionate, diabetes when combined with other substances, diabetic nerve pain, brittle finger and toe nails.
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Vitamin B7 Biotin Safety and Dosage
What are the interaction precautions of B7 / biotin?
Medications changed and broken down by the liver can be affected by biotin and biotin may slow down the process of breaking these medications down. It is possible that biotin can increase the side effects of these medications and therefore it is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider before undertaking biotin supplementation.
Some of medications that interact with B7 include Flexeril, Luvox, Clozaril, Haldol, Cogenx, Zyflo, Tofranil, Zyprexa, Mexitil, Talwin, Zomig, Inderal and others.
Herbs and Dietary Supplement Interactions
Vitamin B5 taken together with biotin can reduce the absorption of the other. Alpha-lipoic acid taken with biotin can also reduce the absorption of the other.
Allergies
Inform your doctor if you have previously had any unusual or allergic reaction to B7 biotin or other medicines. Follow your healthcare professional’s instructions for safely taking the supplement.
Avoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to biotin or products containing this substance.
Side Effects and Warnings
No side effects have been reported for daily amounts up to 10 milligrams per day
Foods
Raw egg whites contain glycoprotein that binds with biotin in the intestine and restricts its absorption. If a person eats two or more uncooked egg whites daily for over six months it can cause a serious biotin deficiency that will result in symptoms surfacing.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It is perhaps safe when used in recommended doses during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
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Dosage
Follow your healthcare professional’s directions. Dosage varies per individual treatment and factors such as health, age, and other factors.
There is currently no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin taken by mouth.
The adequate intakes for biotin are 7 mcg (microgram) for infants 0-12 months
8 mcg for children 1-3 years, 12 mcg for children 4-8 years, 20 mcg for children 9-13 years
25 mcg for adolescents 14-18 years
30 mcg for adults over 18 years and pregnant women
35 mcg for breast-feeding women
However, much higher doses are believed to be safe. Daily doses up to 100mcg per day are often recommended and prescribed.
If you miss a dose, there is no need to be alarmed. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip it and resume the original dosing schedule.
Because it takes many days to become biotin deficient or severely low, do not be concerned if you miss consecutive daily doses. However, if your healthcare has recommended that you supplement biotin always try to remain on the dosage schedule.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate. Keep from freezing.
Store the dietary supplement in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.