Disease or Deficiency....Biotin

As I mentioned in a previous post, I will be doing a series of posts regarding Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies and the symptoms of those deficiencies.

The first Vitamin I will discuss is Biotin.

Biotin Functions:

Biotin helps the nervous system function properly. It also helps provide healthy hair and skin. Biotin may also help those with Diabetes control their blood sugar level.

Possible Causes of a Biotin Deficiency:

Biotin deficiency is seen many times in those that consume raw egg whites. There are a number of reasons not to consume raw eggs, so add this to the list.

Something to take note of, pregnant women have a higher risk of a Biotin deficiency. A Biotin deficiency in a pregnant woman may cause infant malformations such as cleft palate. 


Signs and Symptoms of a Biotin Deficiency:


Dermatitis- Dry or scaly skin
Hyperesthesia- Increased sensitivity to touch
Paresthesia- The sensation of "pins & needles" or numbness
Keratoconjunctivitis- Inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva
Anorexia or Loss of Appetite
Anemia
Alopecia- Hair loss
Muscle Pain
Nausea
Fatigue
Depression
Weakened Immune System

Recommended Daily Allowance of Biotin:


The US does not provide an RDA of Biotin because deficiency of Biotin is so rare, however, many sources including the Mayo Clinic state the following guidelines:

• Infants and children—
  • Birth to 3 years of age: 10 to 20 micrograms (mcg).
  • 4 to 6 years of age: 25 mcg.
  • 7 to 10 years of age: 30 mcg.
• Adolescents and adults—
  • 30 to 100 mcg.

Food Sources of Biotin:

Foods Containing Biotin	mcg
Peanuts, 1/2 cup:	73
Filberts, 1/2 cup:	51
Almonds, 1/2 cup:	34
Peanut butter, 2 Tbs:	32
Wheat Germ (2 Tbs):	12
Soy protein isolate, 1 oz:	8.5
Egg, 1 large cooked:	8.1
Cashews, 1/2 cup:	8.9
Low fat yogurt, 1 cup:	7.4
Whole Wheat bread, 1 sl.:	6
Haddock, 3.5 oz cooked:	6
Sweet potatoes, canned, 1/2 cup:	5.5
Swiss chard, cooked, 1/2 cup:	5.3
Salmon, 3.5 oz cooked:	5
Nonfat milk, 1 cup:	4.9
Tomato sauce, 1/2 cup:	4.7
Carrots, 1/2 cup, cooked:	3.9
Avocado, half:	3.6
Carrot, 7.5" raw:	3.6
Papaya cubes, 1 cup:	3.1
Banana, one:	3.1
Pork, 3.5 oz cooked:	3
Tuna, 3.5 oz canned:	3

If you are having trouble reaching the recommended amounts through your diet (which is always best) consider a Biotin vitamin supplement. 

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor a scientist, just someone trying to find answers independently for an affliction. Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making drastic changes to your diet or taking supplements. Preferably a functional medicine doctor. And remember, I am just some person on the internet, so please don't take my word (or anyone's) as the gospel. Do your own research, communicate with your doctor and find a solution that you are comfortable with. It is your body and your life.