Biotin (vitamin 7)

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Other names for biotin

biotin

Synopsis of biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin essential for a wide range of metabolic processes, especially those involving carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It acts as a coenzyme for several carboxylase enzymes, supporting energy production, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid synthesis. Biotin is naturally present in foods like eggs, liver, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, and is also produced in small amounts by gut bacteria.

The body requires biotin for:

  • Healthy hair, skin, and nails
  • Nervous system function and mood balance
  • Blood sugar regulation through its role in glucose metabolism
  • Gene expression and DNA synthesis
  • Prenatal development, especially for embryonic growth

Biotin deficiency is rare but may occur in people with genetic disorders, chronic alcohol use, long-term antibiotic therapy, or excessive raw egg white consumption (due to avidin binding biotin). Symptoms may include:

  • Thinning hair or hair loss
  • Scaly rash around eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Fatigue, depression, and neurological issues
  • Muscle pain or tingling in the limbs

Biotin is commonly used in supplements aimed at:

  • Hair and nail growth
  • Skin health
  • Prenatal support
  • Metabolic and energy-enhancing formulas

Typical doses range from 30–100 mcg/day for general support, though many cosmetic supplements contain 2,500–10,000 mcg, despite a lack of evidence that megadoses provide additional benefits in healthy individuals.

Historical Use:

Biotin was first isolated in the early 20th century through studies on egg-white injury in animals fed raw egg whites, which led to symptoms later identified as biotin deficiency. It was originally called “vitamin H” (from the German Haar and Haut, meaning hair and skin) due to its noticeable role in maintaining skin integrity and hair health.

Though biotin itself is a modern discovery, the foods rich in it—organ meats, egg yolks, seeds, and leafy greens—have long been part of traditional diets that supported energy, fertility, and skin radiance. In traditional medicine systems, these foods were prescribed for weakness, brittle hair, poor skin tone, and low vitality, all of which reflect biotin’s known functions today.

Currently, biotin remains one of the most popular ingredients in cosmeceutical supplements, despite the fact that only those with deficiencies typically see dramatic improvements. It plays a quiet but critical role in overall metabolic health, particularly in energy production, skin renewal, and neurological function.

Biotin is used for these health conditions

Burning Feet or Hands (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Energy (lack of) (Scientific)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Scientific)
Fingernails (weak or brittle) (Scientific)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Scientific)
Multiple Sclerosis (Scientific)
Nerve Damage (Scientific)
Skin (dry and/or flaky) (Traditional)

biotin is used to support these body systems

Hair (Scientific)
Nails (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)