Vitamins: Vitamin B7 / B8 / H - Biotin Flashcards
1
Q
Vitamin B7/B8/H - Biotin
A
- Biotin as a vitamin was discovered due to its deficiency state brought about by raw egg consumption (at about 30% of the diet for many weeks to years).
- Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin which joins with biotin making it unabsorbable. Avidin is denatured by cooking
- Biotin is an otherwise relatively stable B vitamin.
- Widespread in foods but only in small amounts (micrograms) and also made by intestinal bacteria which is also absorbed into circulation
2
Q
Food sources
A
- Egg yolk
- Yeast
- Whole grains
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potato
- Nuts
- Meat
- Oily fish
3
Q
Gene regulation: functions and therapeutic uses
A
- Functions:
o Regulates gene expressions (E.g. modifies the activity of transcription factors) which are crucial from metabolism
o Particularly supportive of rapidly regenerating tissues, e.g. skin, hair and nails - Therapeutic uses:
o Dandruff
o Brittle nails
o Dry/brittle hair
o Cradle
4
Q
Blood sugar regulation: functions and therapeutic uses
A
- Functions:
o In combination with the mineral chromium, biotin has been shown to improve blood-glucose control (reducing HbA1c); i.e. 2 mg of biotin with 600 mcg of chromium - Therapeutic uses:
o Diabetes mellitus
o PCOS
5
Q
Deficiency symptoms
A
- Dermatitis
- Dry scaly flaky skin (I.e. mouth and nose)
- Smooth pale tongue
- Hair thinning and loss
- Depigmentation
6
Q
Deficiency
A
- Deficiency can occur in rare metabolic disorders (tested at birth), due to biotin deficient formula or tube feeding
- Intestinal production can be reduced due to prolonged use of antibiotics
7
Q
Absorption
A
- A vegetarian diet may enhance biotin synthesis and absorption
- Anticonvulsants drugs and alcohol may inhibit absorption.
- Steroid hormones and anticonvulsants may hasten breakdown of biotin in tissues.
- Biotin supplement interferes with the laboratory tests
8
Q
Toxicity
A
- It is considered part of the B vitamin complex and has no known toxicities
9
Q
Vitamin B7/ B8/ H functions
A
Gene regulation
Blood sugar regulation