Vitamin B-7 (Biotin)

Biotin is a vitamin that is found in small amounts in numerous foods.

Biotin is used for preventing and treating biotin deficiency associated with pregnancy, long-term tube feeding, malnutrition, and rapid weight loss. It is also used orally for hair loss, brittle nails, skin rash in infants (seborrheic dermatitis), diabetes, and mild depression.

How does it work?

Biotin is an important component of enzymes in the body that break down certain substances like fats, carbohydrates, and others.

There isn't a good laboratory test for detecting biotin deficiency, so this condition is usually identified by its symptoms, which include thinning of the hair (frequently with loss of hair color) and red scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Nervous system symptoms include depression, exhaustion, hallucinations, and tingling of the arms and legs. There is some evidence that diabetes could result in biotin deficiency.

Treating and preventing biotin deficiency.
Hair loss.
Diabetic nerve pain.
Brittle fingernails and toenails.

There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) established for biotin. The adequate intakes (AI) for biotin are:

7 mcg 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.

Biotin is SAFE for most people when taken appropriately and by mouth. Biotin is well tolerated when used at recommended dosages. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when injected into the muscles and used appropriately.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Biotin is SAFE when used in recommended amounts during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Kidney dialysis: People receiving kidney dialysis may need extra biotin. Check with your health care provider.