Biotin (with the formula, C10H16N2O3S), or vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin (Vitamin B7) that plays an important role in the overall function of the body and the harnessing of energy from metabolic processes in the body. carbohydrates and fat. These are white crystalline needles necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and amino acids in the body.
Biotin is mainly found in certain foods, such as meats and vegetables. Some other sources of biotin are found in nuts and vegetables. There are foods that are high in biotin because they contain a substance called avidin, a type of protein that allows biotin to adhere strongly to it. These foods rich in biotin are liver and egg yolk. Aside from food sources of biotin, it can also be taken as supplements that are available as pharmaceuticals, helping a person to prevent or treat biotin deficiencies.
This vitamin plays an important role in normal human functioning. It is involved in the process of transfer of activated form of carbon dioxide to certain substances in the body that contributes to the metabolism of fats, amino acids and carbohydrates. It also functions as a coenzyme to support the task of carboxylase, which is involved in metabolic processes in the body, such as fatty acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Since biotin also functions as a component in glucose metabolism, it is also given to diabetic patients to lower blood sugar levels. Likewise, people today are also often concerned about their hair, and taking biotin supplements could also improve hair health.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for biotin is 300 mcg (micrograms). When there is a lack of biotin in the body, it can result in a nutritional disorder called biotin deficiency which can cause hair loss, anemia, nausea, dermatitis, and also other neurological symptoms like depression and hallucinations. Since biotin is found in most of our daily food intake and the amount of biotin needed by the body is already found in a well-balanced diet, biotin deficiency is an extremely rare case.
Daily biotin requirements are relatively small, and biotin that is ingested into the body is immediately recycled the moment it has already been used. However, biotin deficiency can turn fatal if ignored. It should be noted that regular consumption of raw egg whites can trigger a biotin deficiency due to the strong protein avidin that prevents the absorption of biotin in the body. However, high doses of biotin may be given to infants with a condition known as infantile seborrhea or to adults with genetic disorders of biotin metabolism.
So far, no side effects have been seen from excessive biotin intake. It is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, so excess biotin is excreted through urine. Recent studies being conducted regarding the possible additional contribution of biotin to our body processes reveal that biotin is also required for processes in cells at the generic level. Knowing what biotin can do in our body should make us realize that there are beneficial substances for humanity, however, when not taken properly, they would contribute to the development and improper functioning of the body.