The result of a lack of biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a condition known as biotin deficiency. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair loss, dermatologic problems such as an inflamed, scaly, and red rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as high levels of an amino acid called 3-methylcrotonic acid in the urine.
Biotin deficiency can also result in neurological disorders and abnormalities including depression, lethargy, hallucination, and ataxia. Additionally, insomnia, high cholesterol, and impaired pancreas function can all be symptoms.
Infants born to mothers with biotin deficiency during pregnancy can experience developmental delays, seizures, hearing loss, hypotonia, and failure to thrive.
Biotin deficiency is considered to be rare, but can be caused by inadequate dietary intake of biotin, long-term use of antibiotics, anticonvulsant medications, smoking, and chronic alcoholism. Treatment of biotin deficiency usually requires supplementing with biotin, and may take several months to show improvements in symptoms.
What happens if you have too little biotin?
If you have too little biotin, also known as vitamin B7, it can potentially lead to several health problems. Common symptoms associated with biotin deficiency include thinning of the hair, loss of hair color, skin rashes, and brittle nails.
In severe cases, biotin deficiency can cause vision problems, depression, and poor cognitive function. In the most extreme cases, biotin deficiency can be fatal, although this is relatively rare.
A majority of biotin deficiencies occur because of inadequate biotin intake, rather than the body’s inability to process biotin correctly. A lack of biotin in the diet can be due to certain disorders, infection and an unbalanced diet.
Low levels of biotin in the body can also be caused by some medications, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
If someone believes they have a biotin deficiency, it is important that they discuss it with a medical professional to receive a proper diagnosis. Treatment for biotin deficiency typically involves taking a biotin supplement and avoiding high doses of the vitamins pantothenic acid and vitamin B12.
Additionally, it is essential to adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
What happens if your biotin is too low?
If your biotin levels are too low, you may suffer from a condition called biotin deficiency. The signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair loss, skin rash, red eyes, fatigue, depression, and an increased risk of infection.
Additionally, biotin deficiency can cause a form of anemia which can lead to additional problems such as a weakened immune system. As biotin is necessary for many bodily functions, a deficiency can have serious repercussions.
Therefore, if you think you may be low in biotin, it is important to consult a doctor to have your levels checked and take steps to increase its levels. Possible treatments include supplementation, dietary modification and lifestyle changes such as increasing your intake of biotin-rich foods such as eggs, bananas, peanuts, salmon, avocado, and some nuts and seeds.
Making sure you are consuming enough biotin-rich foods, coupled with taking a biotin supplement (if deemed necessary by a physician) can help to restore your levels of biotin and prevent any further health complications.
What are the symptoms of lack of biotin?
The symptoms of a deficiency in biotin are varied and may include thinning of the hair, a brittle coat in animals, depression, fatigue, and hallucinations. Other symptoms may include insomnia, loss of appetite, and tingling or numbness in the extremities.
Dermatological symptoms can include a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as conjunctivitis. Long-term and severe deficiencies can also lead to anemia, muscular pain and weakness, and disturbances in blood sugar levels.
In pregnant women, a biotin deficiency may cause birth defects in the baby. Long-term biotin deficiency can lead to depression, listlessness, and apathy, as well as increased levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides.
What would cause a biotin deficiency?
A biotin deficiency can be caused by a number of factors, including a lack of dietary biotin, a genetic disorder, or certain medications inhibiting proper absorption of biotin, especially antibiotics.
In some cases, the body does not produce enough biotin, and in other cases, the body cannot break down and absorb the biotin it needs, resulting in a deficiency. Biotin is found naturally in many foods such as egg yolks, almonds, and Brewer’s yeast; however, many people do not get enough biotin from their diet alone.
A deficiency in biotin can be attributed to an imbalance of other B vitamins, such as B6, B12, and folic acid, which affect the enzyme responsible for releasing biotin from food. Certain illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS, can also suppress the absorption of biotin.
Finally, certain medications, such as antibiotics, can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb biotin, resulting in a deficiency.
How long does it take to correct a biotin deficiency?
It typically takes several months of taking biotin supplements to restore the body’s biotin levels and correct a biotin deficiency. However, the length of time it takes to correct a biotin deficiency will vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and the individual’s response to treatment.
Generally, adults supplementing with 5,000-7,000 mcg of biotin daily should begin to see results within 6-8 weeks. However, some people may need to take biotin supplements regularly for several months before they are able to fully restore their biotin levels and experience optimal benefits.
In addition, lifestyle changes such as increasing protein intake, adding more biotin-rich foods to your diet, eliminating alcohol, and increasing your intake of B-complex vitamins can also help to correct biotin deficiencies.
Which food has highest biotin?
Eggs are considered one of the best sources of biotin, which is an important B vitamin that plays a role in normal energy metabolism and healthy skin and nails. A single cooked large egg can contain up to nine micrograms of biotin, making eggs one of the most concentrated sources of biotin.
Other foods high in biotin include certain nuts, such as peanuts, almonds and walnuts, as well as avocados and sunflower seeds. Animal products, such as pork, liver and salmon, are also good sources of biotin.
In addition to these foods, certain types of mushrooms, such as shiitake and white button mushrooms, can provide high amounts of biotin.
Does biotin mess with your thyroid?
No, biotin does not mess with your thyroid, however, it may interfere with certain thyroid tests or supplements that contain iodine, so it is best to check with your doctor if you are taking any thyroid medications.
Biotin is a B vitamin found in food sources like eggs, salmon, and legumes, and is often taken as a supplement to help strengthen hair and nails. It may also help people with diabetes who have a deficiency in biotin.
While studies have suggested that biotin may interfere with certain thyroid tests, researchers have not found evidence to say biotin specifically affects people with thyroid conditions. Additionally, according to the American Thyroid Association, biotin supplementation appears to be safe for people with thyroid conditions in doses up to 20,000 micrograms per day, however, anyone concerned about the effect of biotin on their thyroid should consult with a doctor before beginning supplementation.
Does hair loss from biotin deficiency grow back?
Yes, hair loss from biotin deficiency (also known as biotinidase deficiency) can grow back when biotin supplementation is introduced. Biotin is a B-vitamin found in foods such as eggs, nuts, salmon, bananas, and sweet potatoes.
When biotin levels are low, hair loss can occur. Fortunately, once biotin supplementation is introduced, hair loss from biotin deficiency can regrow. However, it can take some months for it to grow back and it may take about 6-9 months for the full effects to take place.
In some rare cases, it may take even longer for hair to grow back. Also, to prevent further deficiency and facilitate regrowth, it is important to maintain a healthy diet rich in biotin and other nutrients.
Additionally, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure proper levels of biotin and other essential vitamins and minerals and that the correct supplementation is provided to the individual.
Can low biotin cause fatigue?
Yes, low biotin can potentially cause fatigue. Biotin is a B vitamin (also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H) and is part of the B-complex family of vitamins. It helps the body use the carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the food you eat, and also assists in the production of energy.
When biotin levels are low in your body, it can lead to fatigue and a lack of energy.
Additional symptoms associated with low biotin levels in the body include thinning hair, brittle nails, scaly, red skin rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth and even neurological symptoms. Severe biotin deficiency can lead to depression, tingling in the arms and legs, hallucinations, and even loss of reflexes.
If you think you may have low biotin levels, it’s important to consult with your doctor. They may recommend a blood test to check your biotin levels, as well as other essential vitamins such as Vitamin B12.
Your doctor may also recommend nutritional supplementation, such as biotin tablets, to help replenish biotin levels in the body.
Can a deficiency in biotin can lead to hair loss in adults?
Yes, a deficiency in biotin can lead to hair loss in adults. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps to convert food into energy and helps keep hair, nails, and skin healthy. It’s also known as vitamin B7. When a person is deficient in biotin, they may experience thinning of the hair and hair loss.
In addition, a deficiency in biotin can lead to other symptoms such as tiredness, muscle pain, brittle nails, and a rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Biotin can be found in foods such as eggs, nuts, and legumes, as well as in some fortified cereals, breads, and pastas. However, it’s not always easy to get enough biotin from diet alone, and biotin supplements can be beneficial for those with a biotin deficiency.
It’s important to speak with your doctor if you think you may have a deficiency in biotin, as there are other possible causes of hair loss. A blood test may be able to confirm a biotin deficiency. A doctor may then suggest increasing the amount of biotin in their diet or taking a biotin supplement.
What is biotin called on a blood test?
On a blood test, biotin is typically referred to as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin found in food and produced by the gut, skin and other bodily organs. It plays an important role in energy metabolism and helps to support healthy skin and nails.
Specifically, it helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats for energy. It is often added to supplements and multivitamins to ensure that people are getting enough biotin in their diets.
Since it is found in a variety of foods, most people obtain enough biotin on their own and it is not routinely tested in a standard blood panel. However, if a low level of biotin is found or if a medical provider suspects that a lack of biotin is causing certain symptoms, then they may order a blood test to check the level of biotin in a patient’s system.
What blocks biotin absorption?
Biotin absorption can be blocked by a number of different factors. These include certain medications, a condition known as “biotinidase deficiency,” and certain food components. Medications, such as anticonvulsives, can decrease the body’s ability to absorb biotin from food.
Additionally, some antibiotics, sulfonamides, and long-term alcohol use can also impede biotin absorption.
Biotinidase deficiency is a genetic disorder caused by an inherited gene mutation. Those with this condition are unable to properly process biotin, making it difficult for the body to absorb biotin from food.
Food components, such as raw egg whites, also have the potential to block biotin. This is because raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which binds biotin and makes it impossible for the body to absorb.
Furthermore, certain diets, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, can also interfere with biotin absorption due to the absence of certain vitamin B-rich foods such as dairy products, whole eggs, and fish.
What Cannot take with biotin?
Biotin is a dietary supplement that can have many health benefits, including healthier hair, skin, and nails. While biotin is generally safe and shouldn’t cause any issues when taken in the recommended doses, there are some things that should not be taken with biotin.
This includes other dietary supplements such as vitamin A, B-complex, zinc, or magnesium. Additionally, biotin may interact with medications such as antibiotics, cholesterol medications, seizure medications, and acne medications.
For this reason, it is important to discuss any dietary supplements with a doctor or healthcare provider before taking them. Additionally, it is not recommended to take biotin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a known medical condition, such as diabetes.
