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Alternative Names: Vitamin H, or co-enzyme R.
Although it is not a B-vitamin, Biotin is very much a part of the B-Complex family and interacts synergistically with them. It is an essential nutrient that is found in small amounts in animal and plant tissue.
Source
Natural sources of Biotin include brewer's yeast, whole grains, whole soy products, unpolished rice, brown rice, most legumes (especially beans and peas), lentils, bean sprouts, raw unadulterated honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly.
Biotin is also found in the following herbs: Blessed thistle, blue cohosh, burdock, caraway, cascara sagrada, catnip, chickweed, cloves, couch grass, eyebright, gentian, ginger, golden seal, hawthorn, hops, horseradish, jojoba, kelp, lady's slipper, licorice, marshmallow, mullein, red clover, rhubarb, rose hips, sage, sarsaparilla, spearmint, thyme, yucca.
Biotin is partially synthesized by the friendly intestinal bacteria, so we are not totally dependent upon dietary sources to ensure us of an adequate supply of this vitamin. Having said this, the validity of the above statement is contingent upon one's possessing a healthy intestinal tract. It can be produced by several species of intestinal bacteria when they are healthy and numerous.
Eggs - in particular raw eggs - contain a substance identified as Avidin, which binds with Biotin in the intestinal tract and is believed to interfere with its absorption.
Antagonists include: Alcoholic beverages, tobacco (nicotine), cola drinks, most soft drinks (other than natural juices), coffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated), chocolate (cocoa), inorganic mineral water (tap, well, spring), polluted air, refined sugar and refined sugar substitutes, overcooking foods (especially over 130°F), refined and processed foods, long term storage of foods, freezing of foods, canning of foods, commercial synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, radiation exposure, synthetic estrogen, birth control pills, sulfa drugs.
Also the following drug medications: Alcohol (including cough syrups containing alcohol, elixirs, and OTC medications such as Nyquil). Caffeine (present in all APC medicines).
Function; Reasons For Use
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a co-enzyme in assisting in the production of fatty acids. In addition, it acts as a catalyst in the oxidation of fatty acids and complex carbohydrates. Biotin also assists in the synthesis and utilization of Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), and protein.
Biotin is both a precursor and a co-factor in many metabolic reactions. Biotin plays an important role in some drug-detoxifying pathways. It is an important enzyme cofactor. Its deficiency is associated with hypercholesterolemia (excessive amounts of cholesterol in the blood).
Biotin serves many purposes, including the following:- Necessary for metabolism of proteins and fats.
- Essential for maintaining healthy hair.
- Aids in prevention of premature graying of hair.
- Helps to prevent baldness.
- Needed for maintaining healthy skin.
- A proven treatment for muscle pain.
- It is known for its good antiseptic properties.
More reasons for use:- If you are taking most any drug medications you probably need Biotin supplementation.
- If you are using eggs, especially raw eggs, you definitely need Biotin supplementation.
- Biotin supplementation is recommended for anyone predisposed to baldness.
- Biotin supplementation is strongly indicated during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester.
Specifically, Biotin may be useful in treatment of:- ALIMENTARY CANAL: Anorexia, Drowsiness, Impairment of fat metabolism, Insomnia, Loss of appetite.
- BRAIN/NERVOUS SYSTEM: Cognitive skills impairment, Confusion, Depression, Hallucinations.
- CIRCULATORY SYSTEM/BLOOD: Anemia, High cholesterol (LDL), Irregular heart beat.
- HAIR/SCALP: Alopecia, Baldness, Dandruff.
- IMMUNE SYSTEM: Chronic fatigue.
- MUSCLES: Fibro-myalgia, Muscle pain.
- SKIN: Dermatitis, Eczema, Leiner's disease, Pallor, Psoriasis, Seborrhea.
- MISCELLANEOUS: Heart abnormalities, Mental disorders, Nervous system disorders, Skin disorders.
Biotin has also been shown to be able to prevent yeast, such as Candida albicans, from converting to the more pathogenic fungal form. Biotin supplementation is used most often in cases when gut flora has been altered or reduced by antibiotics, or gastrointestinal diseases. It is also used with formulation addressing Candidiasis, the increased growth of Candida albicans.
Directions
Biotin has a USRDA of 0.3mg. Biotin works more synergistically with Vitamins B-2, B-3, B-6, and Vitamin A. Therapeutic supplementation of Biotin should be supervised by a doctor schooled and trained in Ortho-molecular medicine.
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Biotin can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.
Alopecia
Loss of hair.
Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Anorexia Nervosa (Anorexia)
An eating disorder characterized by excess control - a morbid fear of obesity leads the sufferer to try and limit or reduce their weight by excessive dieting, exercising, vomiting, purging and use of diuretics. Sufferers are typically more than 15% below the average weight for their height/sex/age and typically have amenorrhea (if female) or low libido (if male). 1-2% of female teenagers are anorexic.
Antiseptic
Inhibiting growth of infectious organisms.
Biotin
An essential coenzyme that assists in the making of fatty acids and in the burning of carbohydrates and fats for body heat and energy. It is also essential for function of red blood cells and hemoglobin synthesis.
Candidiasis (Candida)
Infection of the skin or mucous membrane with any species of candida, usually Candida albicans. The infection is usually localized to the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream. It is a common inhabitant of the GI tract, only becoming a problem when it multiplies excessively and invades local tissues. Growth is encouraged by a weakened immune system, as in AIDS, or with the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Vaginal symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge. Candidiasis is also known as: Candida; Candida albicans; Candida Related Complex; Chronic Candida Syndrome; (Chronic) Systemic Candidiasis; Monilia; Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Candidosis; (Chronic) Mucocutaneous Candidosis; Thrush (oral or vaginal); Moniliasis; Polysystematic Candidiasis.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, Chronic Fatigue)
A disorder of unknown cause that lasts for prolonged periods and causes extreme and debilitating exhaustion as well as a wide range of other symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache and joint pain, often resembling flu and other viral infections. Also known as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (CEBV), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), "Yuppy Flu" and other names, it is frequently misdiagnosed as hypochondria, psychosomatic illness, or depression, because routine medical tests do not detect any problems.
Cobalamin (B12, B-12, Cobalamine, Vitamin B12)
Essential for normal growth and functioning of all body cells, especially those of bone marrow (red blood cell formation), gastrointestinal tract and nervous system, it prevents pernicious anemia and plays a crucial part in the reproduction of every cell of the body i.e. synthesis of genetic material (DNA).
Cofactor (Cofactors)
A substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects, often a coenzyme.
Complex Carbohydrate (Complex Carbohydrates)
Includes indigestible molecules of fiber (e.g. starch and glycogen). Slowly releases sugar into the bloodstream and also adds the fiber.
Dermatitis
A general term used to refer to eruptions or rashes on the skin.
Eczema
Swelling of the outer skin of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be itchy, red, have small blisters, and be swollen, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, and thickened.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Fatty Acids (Fatty Acid)
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Folic Acid
A B-complex vitamin that functions along with vitamin B-12 and vitamin C in the utilization of proteins. It has an essential role in the formation of heme (the iron containing protein in hemoglobin necessary for the formation of red blood cells) and DNA. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tubular defects in the developing fetus.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Hallucination (Hallucinations)
A false or distorted perception of objects or events, including sensations of sight, sound, taste, smell or touch, typically accompanied by a powerful belief in their reality.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Also known as "bad" cholesterol, LDLs are large, dense, protein-fat particles composed of a moderate proportion of protein and a high proportion of cholesterol. Higher levels of LDLs are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Niacin (B3, B-3, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3)
A coenzyme B-complex vitamin that assists in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Essential for the health of the skin, nerves, tongue and digestive system. It is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production. Niacin is also needed for DNA formation.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Pantothenic Acid
A B-complex vitamin necessary for the normal functioning of the adrenal gland, which directly affects growth. It is also essential for the formation of fatty acids. As a coenzyme, it participates in the utilization of riboflavin and in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Propolis
A resinous, waxy material collected by bees from the buds of trees.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Psoriasis
An inherited skin disorder in which there are red patches with thick, dry silvery scales. It is caused by the body making too-many skin cells. Sores may be anywhere on the body but are more common on the arms, scalp, ears, and the pubic area. A swelling of small joints may go along with the skin disease.
Refined Sugar (Refined Sugars)
The term 'refined sugar' includes not only the "sugar" listed in ingredient listings, but also brown sugar, glucose, fructose and dextrose. Obvious sources include jams and jellies; hidden sources are often mayonnaise, ketchup, salad dressings and other condiments.
Riboflavin (B2, B-2, Vitamin B2)
A B-complex vitamin that acts as a coenzyme that activates the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is essential for cellular oxidation and necessary for healthy skin and eyes.
Seborrhea (Seborrheic)
Skin disease characterized by dry or moist, greasy, yellow crusts or scales. A disorder of the sebaceous glands, with changes in the amount and quality of the oils secreted. Although it can occur in any part of the body, seborrhea of the scalp (dandruff) is most common.
Vitamin A
A fat-soluble vitamin essential to one's health. Plays an important part in the growth and repair of body tissue, protects epithelial tissue, helps maintain the skin and is necessary for night vision. It is also necessary for normal growth and formation of bones and teeth. For Vitamin A only, 1mg translates to 833 IU.
Vitamin B6 (B6, B-6)
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Last updated: Jun 28, 2009
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