Biotin
Biotin is another with me. I think I feel a bit better after sucking a 1000mcg biotin sublingual, but my multi had 1.5 mg of biotin in it. So I thought I should have been covered there!!.. although only took about 1/3 of multi daily. Still, 500mcg should have been more than enough.
I do have the low biotin symptoms, which is why I was supplementing in it
Thing is, all my kids had cradle cap as babies, but my eldest son was the worst I've ever seen in extent and lasted to over a year.. so it could be biotin?
I do seem to need biotin now I've increased my B1..and at least 1000mcg a day.. perhaps more.
I've been taking 1000mcg of biotin a day (as a sublingual lozenge)..Natures way..
Maybe that is helping with the PN instead of/ as well as, the B1
Also long-term antibiotic use can interfere with biotin production in the intestine ..
rrrring!!
When in UK. mid 2004, I was on doxycycline for 5 weeks( attempt at treating for possible Lyme). I stopped as teeth were turning brown and
I noticed after this that my nails had gone thick and were splitting ..and ridges..never had b4..(and for a few weeks after returned home until they regrew)lack of biotin??(I was thinking it was calcium in the water!)
" long-term antibiotic use can interfere with biotin production in the intestine "
"Biotin can be used to treat frail, splitting or thin fingernails "
Biotin
Biotin is a member of the B complex family, but is not actually a vitamin. It is a coenzyme that works with them. Also known as vitamin H and coenzyme R, it was first isolated and described in 1936. It is water soluble and very unstable; it can be destroyed by heat, cooking, exposure to light, soaking, and prolonged contact with water, baking soda, or any other alkaline element. It can be absorbed from food, but a “large portion” is made by “good” intestinal bacteria; the use of oral antibiotics or an intestinal yeast/bacterial infection can cause a biotin deficiency.
Like the other B vitamins, biotin is involved in the digestion of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, and it aids cell growth and replication.
Biotin works in synergy with insulin in the body, and independently increases the activity of the enzyme glucokinase. Glucokinase is responsible for the first step of glucose utilisation, and is therefore an essential component of normal bodily functioning. Glucokinase occurs only in the liver, and in sufferers from diabetes its concentration may be extremely low. Supplements of biotin may have a significant effect on glucose levels for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.
A severe deficiency in infants (who do not yet have good intestinal bacteria) causes “cradle cap” (seborrheic dermatitis), which is excessive oil deposits and dandruff on the head; biotin supplements in infants can cure this condition, but in adults a full range of B vitamins is needed to properly metabolize fatty acids.
Benefits:
1) Aids cell growth
2) Helps use other B vitamins
3) Prevents yeast from changing from single-cell form to the much more dangerous colony form
4) Helps nails and hair grow; a deficiency can cause hair loss and brittle nails.
5) Helps nerve tissue.
Forms:
Biotin exists as both biotin and as biocytin, a complex from brewer’s yeast composed of 65.5 % biotin.
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http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/VitaminHBiotincs.html
Deficiency, uncommon in humans, may result in hair loss, dry scaly skin, cracking in the corners of the mouth (called cheilitis), swollen and painful tongue that is magenta in color (glossitis), dry eyes, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and depression. Animals deficient in biotin during pregnancy are more likely to deliver newborns with birth defects such as a cleft palate. Research in this area for pregnant women is underway. One situation in which biotin deficiency does often develop is in people who have been on parenteral nutrition (nutrition administered intravenously rather than through the mouth or stomach) for a long period of time. It may also been seen in people who have been on long-term therapy with anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and sulfa drugs.
Interestingly, vegetarians are able to absorb more biotin from the gastrointestinal tract than meat eaters. Biotin is often recommended for strengthening hair and nails and is found in many cosmetic products for hair and skin.
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Below is a partial list of the health problems biotin may help treat:
Hair and Nail Problems
Biotin supplements may improve thin, splitting, or brittle toe and fingernails as well as hair health. Biotin has also been used to combat alopecia (partial or complete loss of hair) in both children and adults.
Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Infants deficient in biotin often develop this scaly scalp condition. Some infants may respond to biotin supplementation either through formulas or breast milk. While studies have not confirmed the value of biotin for treating cradle cap, there are individual reports of some infants doing better with this treatment.
Similarly, children with a rare inherited metabolic disorder called phenyulketonuria (PKU; in which one is unable to break down the amino acid phenylalanine) often develop skin conditions such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis in areas of the body other than the scalp. The scaly skin changes that occur in people with PKU may be related to poor ability to use biotin. Increasing dietary biotin in the diet seems to improve seborrheic dermatitis.
Biotinidase Deficiency
Biotin supplementation is usually given to babies and children with this unusual inherited condition. Biotinidase deficiency is often associated with seizures, skin disorders, bald spots, hearing loss, visual disturbances, and developmental delay. The inherited form of biotinidase deficiency is seen most commonly in people from Saudi Arabia.
Use of valproic acid, a medication for seizure disorders, can cause a biotinidase deficiency leading to skin rashes and hair loss. Biotin supplements may prevent or treat some of the side effects from this prescription drug.
Another rare inherited metabolic disorder (which looks very much like biotinidase deficiency) is called holocaroxylase synthetase deficiency. This type of deficiency also alters biotin metabolism and infants with this condition tend to improve from biotin supplements.
Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes often have low levels of biotin. Biotin may be involved in the synthesis and release of insulin. Preliminary studies in both animals and people suggest that biotin may help improve blood sugar control in those with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. More research in this area would be helpful.
Peripheral Neuropathy
There have been reports of biotin supplements improving the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy for some people who developed this condition from either long-standing diabetes or on-going hemodialysis for kidney failure. Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves of the extremities, most commonly the feet and calves. It is felt as numbness, tingling, burning or strange sensations, and may be accompanied by pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. People who have taken biotin for these purposes tend to notice improvement as early as 1 to 3 months after starting the supplement.
Candida Infections
Candida infections affect the skin, mouth, and vagina and are caused by a yeast-like fungus. Possible symptoms include white patches in the mouth or on the throat, painful cracks at the corners of the mouth, skin rashes found commonly in the groin, between fingers and toes, and under the breasts, and vaginal itching and irritation with a curd-like discharge. Some believe that people with a biotin deficiency may be more likely to become infected with candida. It is not clear, however, whether increasing biotin in the diet or taking biotin supplements will prevent or treat this condition. There has been one case report of a woman with frequent, recurrent vaginal candida infections who did improve after taking biotin supplements for three months.
High Cholesterol
Animal studies and a few human studies suggest that low levels of biotin are associated with high total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. It is not known, however, if biotin supplementation or increased biotin in the diet improves cholesterol.
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Biotin contributes to the health of skin, hair, nerves, bone marrow, sex glands, and sebaceous glands. Apart from being a vital cofactor to several enzymes, biotin is essential in carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis of fatty acids. It is also involved in the transformation of amino acids into protein.
Biotin plays a role in cell growth and division through its role in the manufacture of DNA and RNA, the genetic components of cells.
Adequate biotin is required for healthy nails and hair, and biotin deficiency is known to be a factor in balding and the premature greying of hair. It has been claimed that, as part of an orthomolecular regime, it can reverse the greying of hair. When PABA and biotin are taken together in adequate amounts they can restore hair colour. Biotin supplements will also effectively treat weak, splitting nails.
Biotin can be a valuable tool to combat yeast infections, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate. In their book The Yeast Syndrome, John Parks Trowbridge and Morton Walker describe how adequate levels of biotin can prevent Candida albicans from developing from its yeast-like state into fungal form, in which it sends out mycelium that further invade body organs.
Seborrheic dermatitis, or Leiner's disease, which is a non-itchy, red scaling rash affecting infants during the first three months of life, is also treated with biotin and other B complex vitamins.
Biotin has been used in conjunction with other nutrients as part of weight loss programs, as it aids in the digestion and breakdown of fats.
High doses of biotin are sometimes used to treat diabetes since it enhances sensitivity to insulin and effectively increases levels of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. Biotin is also used to treat peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, and those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who suffer from metabolic deficiencies.
Long-term antibiotic use can interfere with biotin production in the intestine and increase the risk of deficiency symptoms, such as dermatitis, depression, hair loss,2anemia, and nausea. Long-term use of anti-seizure medications may also lead to biotin deficiency.3Alcoholics, people with inflammatory bowel disease, and those with diseases of the stomach have been reported to show evidence of poor biotin status. However, the usefulness of biotin supplementation for these people remains unclear.4 In animals, and possibly in humans, biotin deficiency can cause birth defects.5 As biotin deficiency may occur in as many as 50% of pregnant women,6 it seems reasonable to use a prenatal multiple vitamin and mineral formula that contains biotin.
from here
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Dietary Sources
brewer's yeast. Bacteria in the intestine also produce significant amounts of biotin.
which I bet it's absorbable by body.
other animals have bacteria in gut that makes thiamin(B1) too.. and its used by the body:-), and some from food in diet too.
also deficiency of biotin can be caused by antibiotics etc ..things that destroy the gut healthy flora..
Brewer's yeast
Organ meats (liver, kidney)
egg yolk
Nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts) and nut butters
Soybeans, soy
Other legumes (beans, blackeye peas, peanuts)
peanut butter, peanuts
Oatbran, oatmeal
mushrooms
bananas
nuts
cauliflower,beans, ,chocolate, molasses, dairy products,
wheat germ, and whole grains,breads
fish?? kidney, legumes, organ meats,liver, meat,oysters,poultry
Raw egg whites contain a protein called Avidin that interferes with the absorption of biotin. It is always recommended that people avoid eating raw eggs because of food poisoning caused by Salmonella. Food-processing techniques can destroy biotin.
Less-processed versions of the foods listed above will contain more biotin.
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Biotin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diabetic Neuropathy TreatmentResearch has indicated that biotin in high doses could be suggested for diabetic patients for the prevention and management of peripheral neuropathy. ...
www.geocities.com/bsy53/dn/neuropat.html
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http://ezinearticles.com/?Hair-Loss:-Biotin-is-Food-for-Your-Hair&id=126771
A deficiency of biotin may cause hair to become frail and unhealthy, and hair breakage, which may result in hair loss. Biotin also keeps your skin and nails healthy as well as being an important element of new hair growth. Supplements are sometimes needed to return biotin levels to normal, but it is recommended to include biotin regularly in your diet. Two foods containing good quantities of biotin are liver and egg yolks. You would have to eat thousands of calories worth daily to get enough for your hair needs, which is why I would also suggest biotin supplements.
Foods full of biotin include brewer's yeast, green peas, oats, soybeans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, green peas, bulgur and brown rice. In terms of the egg yolks, your body's ability to digest and assimilate biotin decreases with high intake levels of protein. Biotin binds easily to proteins, making it unavailable to your body, which in turn causes biotin deficiency and hair loss. Try to steer clear of raw eggs in your diet, and cut down on protein powders and bars. Use one of the many shampoos that contain biotin and silica.
Additionally, those with type A blood(me) don't have the ability to fully absorb B vitamins. Biotin is classified as a Vitamin B, so if you have Type A blood, adding higher doses of 5-8 grams twice daily will be needed to help prevent hair loss. At this time, there are no known side effects at this dosage level.
People suffering from heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD and who are taking antacids may absorb biotin less and hair loss may occur as a result. Therefore watch your use of over-the-counter antacids if you are worried about hair loss.
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http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/APJCN/ProcNutSoc/1980-1989/1983/1983%20p206.pdf
Rapid Tissue depletion in liver and kidney occur BEFORE any signs of biotin deficiency like growth rate slowed in birds!
Tissue depletion of biotin and the development of deficiency symptoms and the fatty liver and kidney syndrome.
Proc Nutr Soc Aust 1983; 8:206
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