What is Biotin?

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a water soluble vitamin used for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein. It is also used for DNA repair, glucose regulation and essential immune functions.

 Biotin was originally used to improve the quality of the hooves of horses, and human studies found that it improved nail thickness, decreased splitting, and reduced irregularities within three to six months of regular supplementation.

 Humans cannot produce biotin on its own, but bacteria in the stomach can synthesize it for us. It is also found in foods such as organs, egg yolk, some vegetables and cow milk.

 The majority of biotin found in food is bound to protein, and requires biotinase (an enzyme) before it can be absorbed by the body. Biotin deficiency is found in people who lack this enzyme, or people who eat large quantities of raw egg white, as a protein in egg white can prevent the body from absorbing biotin. Deficiency can also be found in the lack of a well-balanced diet, or with people \who have inflammatory bowel disease and/or gut dysbiosis where insufficient amounts of healthy gut bacteria limit biotin synthesis. 

 The National Academy of Medicine has stated that 30 micrograms of biotin a day is sufficient for adult men and women. Biotin supplements can be found here. 

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