Biotin (Vitamin B5)

This is an essential water-soluble B vitamin. The name biotin is taken from the Greek word "bios" meaning "life". Without this vitamin, certain enzymes do not work properly and various complications can occur involving the skin, intestinal tract, and nervous system.

Metabolic problems including very low blood sugars between meals, high blood ammonia, or acidic blood (acidosis) can occur. Death is theoretically possible, although no clear cases have been reported. Recent studies suggest that this nutrient is also necessary for processes on the genetic level in cells (DNA replication and gene expression).

Because this vitamin is water-soluble and the body can´t store it, the body can´t use all of the vitamin so the extra leaves the body through the urine. Therefore, this nutrient must be replaced every day.

Function

This vitamin is essential to growth. They help the body break down and use food. This is called metabolism.

Deficiency of this nutrient is extremely rare. This is because daily requirements of this vitamin are relatively small. This nutrient is found in many foods, and the body is able to recycle much of what has already used.

Pantothenic acid is also called vitamin B5. It helps break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Biotin also helps break down proteins and carbohydrates.

Disorders such as multiple carboxylase deficiency can cause inborn errors of metabolism that cause a "functional" biotin deficiency. High-dose of this vitamin is used to treat these disorders. Management should be under strict medical supervision.

Food Sources

This nutrient is found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including the following:

Eggs
Fish
Milk and milk products
Whole-grain cereals
Legumes
Yeast
Broccoli and other vegetables in the cabbage family
White and sweet potatoes
Lean beef

Deficiency Side Effects

Deficiency of this vitamin is extremely rare. Some potential causes of biotin deficiency are: long-term use of certain anti-seizure medications; prolonged oral antibiotic use; intestinal mal absorption (for example short gut syndrome); intravenous feeding (total parenteral nutrition/TPN) without this nutrient added; and eating raw egg whites on a regular basis. Supplementing with this vitamin appears helpful for the treatment of this deficiency.

There are no known deficiencies of either pantothenic acid or biotin. Large doses of pantothenic acid do not produce symptoms other than (possibly) diarrhea. There are no known toxic symptoms associated with biotin.

Significant toxicity with this nutrient´s intake has not been reported in the available literature, and very high doses have been used in patients with inborn errors of metabolism without reported toxicity. However, doses higher than the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board´s recommended daily Adequate Intake (AI) should not be exceeded in healthy individuals unless under medical supervision.

Pregnant women may need slightly more pantothenic acid. Breastfeeding women may need higher levels of this vitamin. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

Eating a balanced diet with selections from the food guide pyramid will provide adequate amounts of these vitamins.

			topic: biotin