What is Biotin Deficiency?

Biotin is also called as the Vitamin B7. Most healthy adults do not suffer from biotin deficiency because the vitamin is required in very a less quantity by the body. Also, the bacteria present in the body are able to manufacture the vitamin in the body.

There are certain groups in population that are susceptible to get biotin deficiency. People who base their eating habits on low calorie diets for a long period of time may become deficient in biotin. Raw egg whites contain a protein avidin which binds with biotin present in the body. The complex, biotin-avidin thus formed is not absorbed by the body and is excreted through stools. Such people who have been eating egg whites for a long period of time must start eating cooked egg whites.

The avidin in cooked egg whites is denatured and thus can not bind with biotin. Since biotin is produced by the bacteria present in body, so if you are on an anti-biotic treatment you may develop biotin deficiency.

Infants lack most of the bacteria at the tender age and so may have biotin deficiency. The signs and symptoms of Biotin deficiency include nausea, fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, and loss of muscular reflexes. In some cases, conjunctivitis may develop in some patients. Anemia is yet another sign for biotin deficiency. Hair loss may also give a hint of the deficiency.

These signs develop over a period of time. But certain sign and symptoms may appear initially. Dry skin is not just a beauty problem but is also because biotin deficiency. Seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infection, and total alopecia are also occurring due to the vitamin deficiency. If biotin deficiency is not treated well then the person may develop neurological symptoms. The person may develop mild depression. Serious mental changes may be observed in the person. Myalgias or generalized muscular pains may develop.

The only remedy for biotin deficiency signs and symptoms is to start consuming biotin supplementation.