Fitness
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Biotin Deficiency?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Biotin deficiency is a very rare nutritional deficiency in which the body does not get enough biotin. Biotin is a member of the B complex of vitamins, and it plays an important role in metabolism and cell respiration. The daily biotin requirement is very low, making it difficult to develop a deficiency in this vitamin. Treatment for a biotin deficiency involves supplementing the diet with additional biotin until the patient stabilizes.

People who develop a deficiency in this vitamin usually do so because they have a problem with the enzymes which are responsible for extracting biotin from the diet. Biotin deficiencies can arise in people who have taken long courses of antibiotics, individuals on prolonged intravenous feeding regimens, and people who take anticonvulsants. Biotin deficiency has also been linked with consuming large numbers of egg whites, as egg whites contain a protein which binds to biotin.

Biotin supplementation is the typically recommendation for a biotin deficiency.
Biotin supplementation is the typically recommendation for a biotin deficiency.

Individuals with this condition usually develop dermatological problems like rashes, dry skin, fungal infections, and hair loss. As the deficiency progresses, the patient may also develop depression, muscle soreness, and changes in mood or attitude. The generalized symptoms can sometimes make it hard to figure out that a patient has a biotin deficiency. In infants, checking for nutritional deficiencies, including a deficiency of biotin, is a routine part of neurological screening to avoid missing an early diagnosis.

Whole grain breads and cereals are high in biotin, which is also known as vitamin B7.
Whole grain breads and cereals are high in biotin, which is also known as vitamin B7.

In addition to causing health problems to people of all ages, biotin deficiency has also been linked with certain birth defects, such as cleft palates. This is one of the many reasons why pregnant women need to eat a balanced and diverse diet, to ensure that the developing fetus gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to be healthy. Some researchers have suggested that the unusual food cravings experienced by some women during pregnancy can be linked to nutritional deficiencies, with the body seeking out foods which will remedy the deficiency.

Biotin is found naturally in foods like spinach.
Biotin is found naturally in foods like spinach.

Diagnosing a biotin deficiency can be difficult, due to the rarity of this condition and the rather vague symptoms of biotin deficiency. It is important for patients to fully discuss their health histories with doctors when seeking treatment for medical problems, as a doctor may be able to figure out what is causing a vague constellation of symptoms by hearing about something in a patient's history. For example, a dermatologist might not immediately suspect a biotin deficiency in a patient who presented with recurrent fungal infections, but he or she might be clued into the problem if the patient mentioned that he or she had just completed a long run of antibiotic treatment.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

burcinc

I developed a biotin deficiency after I started taking a protein powder made of egg whites. My scalp and skin became all flaky and my nails were literally peeling off.

SteamLouis

@ysmina-- I don't know how common biotin deficiency is. But thinning hair, brittle nails, flaky skin and muscle cramps are biotin deficiency symptoms. If someone is experiencing these, it won't hurt to take a biotin supplement.

I guess the only way to know for sure if someone has a deficiency is to get a blood test. But even doctors don't bother to ask for a test and can recommend biotin to their patients when they see any of these symptoms. My doctor recommended it to me when I complained about hair loss.

Biotin is a water soluble vitamin. So if I get a little bit extra, my body will get rid of it via urine, so I'm not too worried. I don't take more than the daily recommended dose though.

ysmina

I know at least four people in my family and friend circle who are taking biotin vitamin supplements for various reasons. Some take it for improved metabolism, some for healthier hair and others for stronger nails. Almost all of them have told me that biotin has helped them.

Is biotin deficiency more prevalent than we realize or is everyone experiencing the placebo effect?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Biotin supplementation is the typically recommendation for a biotin deficiency.
      By: Louella Folsom
      Biotin supplementation is the typically recommendation for a biotin deficiency.
    • Whole grain breads and cereals are high in biotin, which is also known as vitamin B7.
      By: AAA
      Whole grain breads and cereals are high in biotin, which is also known as vitamin B7.
    • Biotin is found naturally in foods like spinach.
      By: nito
      Biotin is found naturally in foods like spinach.
    • Hair loss is a common symptom of a biotin deficiency.
      By: maska82
      Hair loss is a common symptom of a biotin deficiency.
    • Biotin deficiency has been linked with certain birth defects, so it is important for pregnant women to eat a balanced and diverse diet.
      By: adam121
      Biotin deficiency has been linked with certain birth defects, so it is important for pregnant women to eat a balanced and diverse diet.
    • Doctors concerned about vitamin deficiencies in their patients may request bloodwork.
      By: Boggy
      Doctors concerned about vitamin deficiencies in their patients may request bloodwork.
    • Biotin treatments may not help those who have hair loss due to cancer treatment or other conditions.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Biotin treatments may not help those who have hair loss due to cancer treatment or other conditions.