Biotin

Forms:  Biotin

Sources:  Wheat bran, egg yolks, intestinal flora

Adequate Intake:  30 mcg/day for adults (No RDA established).

Description:  Biotin is needed for the biosynthesis of fatty acids as well as for gluconeogenesis (making of new glucose) and in the metabolism of branched chain amino acids.  In addition, biotin is needed to maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.  A biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, depression, lethargy, red scaly rashes, and brittle nails.  Other deficiency symptoms include depressed immunity, reduced glucose metabolism and (potentially) adult onset diabetes.  Pregnancy increases the requirement for biotin, and raw egg whites contain a protein called avadin which reduces absorption of biotin.  There are no noted toxic effects which biotin supplementation.