Biotin
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Essential for the activity of many enzyme systems; biotin-containing enzymes play a vital role in the production of energy from the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and are also involved in the manufacture of fats and the excretion of by-products from protein metabolism; biotin-containing enzymes participate in (a) carboxylation reactions, adding CO2 to acceptor molecules, (b) decarboxylation reactions where CO2 groups are removed, and (c) deamination reactions where NH2 groups are removed from certain amino acids; contributes to the overall health of skin, hair, nails and the cardiovascular system; and many other B-vitamins cannot function optimally without the presence of biotin.

A biotin deficiency could be a contributing cause of anorexia, cardiac irregularities, dermatitis, fatigue, hair loss, irritability, lesions on the nose and mouth, loss of hair color, mild anemia, mild depression, muscle pain, nausea, numbness and tingling of the extremities, and premenstrual syndrome. Long-term antibiotic use can also cause a biotin deficiency. Some diabetics may have an abnormality in the biotin-dependent enzyme pyruvate carboxylase which can lead to dysfunctions of the nervous system.

Pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a biotin deficiency include aminoglycosides, carbamazepine, cephalosporins, chlortetracycline, demeclocycline, doxycycline, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, minocycline, oxytetracycline, penicillins, phenytoin, primidone, sulfonamides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim.

Dietary sources richest in biotin (per serving) include banana, egg yolk, fish, grapefruit, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), liver, nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, peanut, rice bran, royal jelly, soy flour, strawberry, watermelon, and whole grains and grain products.

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