Thin hair, dry scaly skin, brittle nails: Beware of Vitamin B7 (biotin) deficiency

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Thu Hang - Dermatologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
A biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss and skin or nail problems. The first signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency can be confused with many other disorders and health conditions.

1. Overview of Vitamin B7 (biotin)

Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is a water-soluble B vitamin found naturally in some foods and also in supplements. Biotin plays an important role in supporting the enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins in food. It also helps regulate the signals sent by cells and the activity of genes.
This vitamin is a cofactor for five carboxylases, which catalyze important steps in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose and amino acids. Biotin also plays an important role in histone regulation, gene regulation (by regulating the activity of transcription factors) and cell signaling.
Most biotin in food is bound to protein, although some dietary biotin is in free form. Free biotin is then absorbed in the small intestine and most biotin is stored in the liver
Biotin concentrations in healthy adults are 133–329 pmol/L in serum and 18–127 nmol/24 h in urine . Abnormally low urinary biotin excretion is a sign of biotin deficiency and abnormally high excretion of 3-hydroxy isovaleric acid (higher than 3.3 mmol/mol creatinine) or 3-hydroxy isovaleryl carnitine (higher than 3.3 mmol/mol creatinine) than 0.06 mmol/mol creatinine) is due to decreased MCC activity which is also a notable sign.

2. At-risk groups for Biotin deficiency

The following groups are the ones most likely to have biotin deficiency.
People with biotinidase deficiency: Biotinidase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that prevents the body from releasing free biotin, resulting in biotin deficiency despite normal absorption. If left untreated, biotinidase deficiency produces neurological and cutaneous symptoms, and an extreme biotinidase deficiency can lead to coma or death. Chronic alcohol exposure: Chronic exposure to alcohol inhibits biotin absorption. 15% of chronic alcoholics have low plasma biotin concentrations. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: At least one-third of pregnant women have a marginal biotin deficiency despite normal biotin intake. Biotin concentrations in plasma and breast milk are reduced in lactating women, even when the amount of biotin absorbed from their diet exceeds the recommended levels.

3. Signs of a Biotin Deficiency

Biotin deficiency is not as common as other deficiencies. If you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, you are unlikely to have a biotin deficiency, as many common foods contain large amounts of the natural vitamin. Alcoholism can increase the risk of deficiencies in biotin and many other nutrients because alcohol can block their absorption, and alcohol abuse is often associated with a poor diet. About one-third of pregnant women have a mild biotin deficiency despite eating well, although the exact reason is unclear. Biotin deficiency can cause symptoms such as:
3.1 Red rash on the skin, especially the face Dry or scaly skin Dry eyes Dry eyes Thin hair Hair loss Fatigue Insomnia or trouble sleeping Loss of appetite Nausea Depression Feeling burning or stinging sensation in the hands and feet Muscle pain Changes in the intestines (frequent abdominal pain) Cracks in the corners of the mouth Convulsions Difficulty walking Scaly skin rash around the eyes, nose, mouth Fragile nails There is no evidence in humans for biotin toxicity even at high intakes. Because it is water soluble, any excess will escape through the urine. There is no established upper limit or toxicity level for biotin.

4.Biotin Supply

4.1 Foods Many foods contain some biotin, such as organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and some vegetables (such as sweet potatoes). Biotin content in foods can vary, cultivar and season, and processing techniques can also affect the biotin content of cereal grains.
Avidin is a glycoprotein commonly found in raw egg whites that can tightly bind to biotin and prevent biotin absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Cooking denatures avidin, making it unable to interfere with biotin absorption.
4.1 Biotin supplements are available in biotin-only supplements, in supplements containing a B-complex vitamin combination, and in some multivitamin/multi-drug products. The rate of free oral biotin absorption is 100%, even when people take pharmacological doses up to 20 mg biotin/day.
The first signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency can be confused with many other disorders and health conditions. Contact your doctor if you think you have signs of a biotin deficiency to get a diagnosis and decide on the best treatment. B-7 deficiency is now treatable so you shouldn't worry too much. Biotin has a very important role in the development of the body, including skin, hair, and nails. Therefore, we need to actively maintain a reasonable diet combined with moderate exercise. In case the body is deficient in a large amount of biotin causing health effects, you should go to Vinmec International General Hospital to be examined by specialist doctors and have appropriate treatment.
Registering for examination at Vinmec International General Hospital is currently the choice of many people when the hospital has good facilities and service quality. A team of highly qualified doctors always makes the treatment process simpler and more effective.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Source: healthline.com - hsph.harvard.edu - ods.od.nih.gov